Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Luther considered Baptism to be such a great blessing that he encourages us to remember our Baptism every day.
“Baptize” means “to wash”
Mark 7:4 ESV
and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.)
Luke 11:38 ESV
The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner.
Baptism is More Than Just Washing
Mark 16:16 ESV
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Matthew 28:19 ESV
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Benefits of Baptism
Power of Baptism is in the Word
Two things give power to the Water: WORD OF GOD and FAITH.
1 Peter 3:20 ESV
because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
