### 72. Q. Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?

**A**. No, only Jesus Christ’s blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.<sup>1</sup>

<sup>1</sup> [Matt. 3:11](/index.php/get-passage/Matthew+3:11); [1 Pet. 3:21](/index.php/get-passage/1+Peter+3:21); [1 John 1:7](/index.php/get-passage/1+John+1:7)