OK, so I’ve goofed again. First I skipped the baptism of Jesus when talking about what the gospels say about baptism. Now I’ve forgotten one of my favorite passages on baptism: Titus 3. Let’s read what Paul says in this passage:

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3–7)

I like that. Beautiful imagery, with hints of Jesus’ words to Nicodemus about being born of water and Spirit.

Some would limit the washing here to the work of the Holy Spirit, but after we’ve studied what the New Testament says about baptism, we can see that there’s really no need to do so. The Spirit is at work when we are baptized in water. We are immersed in water, yet the cleansing and regeneration come not from the water but from the Spirit. Born again of water and Spirit, both together.

The pouring out of the Spirit took place at Pentecost. Those who receive that Spirit are physically immersed in water while being spiritually immersed in God’s renewing Spirit. Justified by God’s grace, all who have been baptized into Christ are heirs, just as Paul said in Galatians 3. We have the hope of eternal life, not because we’ve done outstanding works, but because God did THE work through Jesus Christ our Savior.

This passage meshes perfectly with other New Testament teachings about the believer, baptism, and new birth.