Remission of sins by God's grace through faith in the shed blood of Christ vs by baptism of water

In the discussion of **remission of sins**, two significant approaches emerge: **through the shed blood of Christ** and **by baptism of water**. Let's explore both perspectives:

1. **Remission of Sins through the Shed Blood of Christ**:

   - **Characteristics of Jesus Christ**:

     - **Jesus is God in flesh**: The Bible affirms that God was manifest in the flesh through Jesus, who is both divine and human¹.

     - **Eternal Existence**: Unlike other religious figures, Jesus existed in eternity past¹.

     - **Creator of the Universe**: Jesus played a role in creating all things in heaven and on earth¹.

     - **Sinless Life**: Jesus is the only one to have lived a sinless life¹.

     - **Exclusive Way to God**: Jesus declared Himself as the exclusive way to heaven, emphasizing that no one can come to the Father except through Him¹.

     - **Blood Atonement**: Ephesians 1:7 states that we have redemption through His blood, and nowhere does the Bible say that water (baptism) can wash away sin; forgiveness is always by blood¹.

2. **Remission of Sins by Baptism of Water**:

   - Some believe that water baptism is essential for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38 mentions baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

   - However, it's crucial to recognize that the Bible consistently emphasizes the role of **Jesus' shed blood** in forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22 states, "without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins" ⁴.

   - Water baptism symbolizes cleansing and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation but does not directly wash away sins.

In summary, while water baptism holds symbolic significance, the **ultimate source of forgiveness** lies in **Jesus' sacrificial blood**. His shed blood provides redemption and remission of sins, making Him the central figure in our reconciliation with God.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/23/2024

(1) LESSON 4 The Importance of Jesus Christ and His Shed Blood - 7 Steps to God. https://www.7stepstogod.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/lesson4.pdf.

(2) CONNECTING THE BLOOD OF CHRIST AND WATER BAPTISM. http://fishers-churchofchrist.com/resources/articles/2020/01/26/connecting-the-blood-of-christ-and-water-baptism.

(3) The Blood of Christ - Bible Charts. https://www.biblecharts.org/sermons/thebloodofchrist.pdf.

(4) Chapter Twenty Seven - The Meaning of the Blood of Jesus Christ - CBCG. https://www.cbcg.org/booklets/the-christian-passover/chapter-twenty-seven-the-meaning-of-the-blood-of-jesus-christ.html.