316. Why is Baptism called "the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit"?
The Holy Spirit works in and through Baptism to create faith in Christ Jesus, adopting us a children of the Father and making new creatures in Christ who now live not according to the flesh but by the Spirit.
Titus 3:5-8 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Read Romans 8:11-17, noting its emphasis on life according to the Spirit and not the flesh (our sinful nature).
Eventual commentary
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