An Orthodox Catechism

    The Summe of Christian Religion (1587), Zacharias Ursinus

    Question 73

    THE SECOND PART, OF MANS DELIVERIE

    1. Why then doth the holie Ghost call Baptisme the washing of the newe birth, and forgiuenes of sinnes?

      God speaketh so not without great cause: to wit, not onely to teache vs, that as the filth of our bodie is purged by water, so our sinnes also are purged by the bloud and spirite of Christ: but much more to assure vs by this diuine token and pledge, that wee are as verily washed from our sinnes with the inwarde washing, as we are ; ; washed by the outward and visible water. ;