Can Water Do Such Wonders?
Many passages of the NT that talks about baptism highlights its efficacy, that is, the fact that baptism accomplishes things. In the Epistles, we see what baptism is; in Acts, on the act of baptism. Baptism is not a mere sign of whats been accomplished, but an effectual action. Peter tells the crowd at Pentecost that they should be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins and to receive the Spirit (Acts 2:38). In Romans 6, Paul appeals to baptism as proof that the Romans have been joined to Christs death and resurrection. Emphasis on baptism accomplishing something. Paul is assuming that those who have been baptized in JC have been baptized in His death; have died to sin (vs 2) because they are joined to Christ through their baptism. (vs. 4) Baptism is a death and burial in union with Christ to sin and death. Those buried with Him by the HS will rise in Him. Death to one realm and the beginning of a new realm. In 1 Cor, Paul says that the once-wicked Corinthians were washed and sanct
