Baptism is forgiveness of original sin
Baptism is forgiveness of original sin since the early church
Yes, baptism has been associated with the forgiveness of sins (and original sin) since the early Church, based on both biblical teaching and early Christian writings. However, different Christian traditions understand the exact nature of this connection in distinct ways. Below is an overview of Scriptural evidence, Early Church Fathers’ writings, and theological perspectives on baptism and the forgiveness of sins.
1. Biblical Basis for Baptism as Forgiveness of Sins
a) Acts 2:38 – Baptism and the Remission of Sins
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
- Key Takeaway: Peter directly links baptism with forgiveness of sinsand the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- This passage was foundational in the practice of baptism in the early Church.
b) Mark 16:16 – Baptism and Salvation
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
- Key Takeaway: Baptism is tied to salvation, implying its role in forgiveness and rebirth.
c) John 3:5 – Baptism and New Birth
“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
- Key Takeaway: Jesus connects water (baptism) and Spirit (Holy Spirit) with entering God’s kingdom.
d) 1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism as the Pledge of a Clean Conscience
“Baptism… now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
- Key Takeaway: Baptism is not just a ritual but has a spiritual effect in cleansing the believer.
e) Titus 3:5 – Baptism as a Washing of Regeneration
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
- Key Takeaway: Baptism is a means of spiritual renewal, closely linked to salvation.
f) Romans 6:3-4 – Baptism as Union with Christ
“Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
- Key Takeaway: Baptism unites believers with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, signifying a complete transformation.
2. Early Church Fathers on Baptism and Forgiveness of Sins
The early Church universally taught that baptism was essential for the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of new life in Christ.
a) The Didache (c. 50-100 AD) – Baptism as the Entry into Life
“Baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit… for the remission of sins.”
- This early Christian document already links baptism with forgiveness of sins, following Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19.
b) Justin Martyr (c. 150 AD) – Baptism as New Birth
“We bring them to a place where there is water, and they are regenerated in the same manner in which we were regenerated; for they then receive the washing with water in the name of God the Father and Lord of all, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.”(First Apology, Chapter 61)
- Justin describes baptism as “regeneration” (new birth), cleansing believers from sin.
c) Tertullian (c. 200 AD) – Baptism as the Cleansing of Sins
“Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life!” (On Baptism, Chapter 1)
- Tertullian strongly affirms that baptism removes sin and grants eternal life.
d) Cyprian of Carthage (c. 250 AD) – Baptism is Necessary for Forgiveness
“Through the baptism of a person, sins are forgiven, and he begins a new life in Christ.” (Letters 69:12)
- Cyprian teaches that baptism is the means through which sins are cleansed.
e) Augustine (c. 400 AD) – Baptism Washes Away All Sin
“Baptism washes away all sins, whether original or actual, so that nothing remains in those who are regenerated.”(Sermon 227)
- Augustine emphasizes that baptism removes both original sin and personal sins.
3. Theological Perspectives on Baptism and Forgiveness of Sins
a) Sacramental View (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran)
- Baptism is a means of grace: It is the moment when sins are forgiven and the Holy Spirit is received.
- Infant baptism is practiced because it is believed to remove original sin.
- Biblical Basis: Acts 2:38, John 3:5, Romans 6:3-4.
b) Symbolic View (Baptist, Evangelical, Reformed)
- Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality: It does not cause forgiveness but symbolizes what faith in Christ has already accomplished.
- Forgiveness of sins comes through faith alone, and baptism is an act of obedience.
- Biblical Basis: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10.
c) Restorationist View (Churches of Christ, some Pentecostals)
- Baptism is necessary for salvation and forgiveness but does not work automatically—it must be accompanied by faith.
- Biblical Basis: Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21.
4. Summary
| Aspect | Baptism of John | Christian Baptism |
| Purpose | Repentance | Forgiveness of original sin and sins, union with Christ |
| Formula | No fixed formula | “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) |
| Effect | Symbolized turning from sin | Washes away original sin and sins, and grants new life |
| Receiving the Holy Spirit? | No | Yes (Acts 2:38) |
| Practiced By? | Jews before Christ | Christians after Christ’s resurrection |
Key Takeaways
- Baptism has always been associated with the forgiveness of sins and original sin since the early Church.
- The New Testament directly links baptism to forgiveness, new birth, and salvation (Acts 2:38, John 3:5, Titus 3:5).
- Early Church Fathers affirmed that baptism cleanses sin and marks entrance into the faith.
- Different Christian traditions interpret this in various ways—some see it as a sacrament that removes sin, while others see it as a sign of already-received salvation.
