Baptism's Washing of Us

1. The Importance of the Sign 2. The Salvation in the Sign 3. The Present Testimony of the Sign This sermon explores the theological significance of baptism as a divine sign and seal that guarantees the believer's cleansing from sin through Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit. Drawing primarily from Titus 3 and the Heidelberg Catechism Lords Day 26 and 27, the preacher emphasizes that baptism signifies God's initiative in justification and sanctification rather than human effort or mere memorialization. The message warns against various doctrinal errors, including Roman Catholic sacramentalism, Zwinglian symbolism, and Baptist restrictions on mode and subject. It further clarifies that baptism establishes a covenant relationship, marking membership in the church and separation from the world while assuring believers of God's enduring friendship. The preacher urges the congregation to view this sacrament as a present testimony of grace, encouraging daily reliance on its promises for spiritual strength and comfort.