Baptism “for the forgiveness of sins” is a statement Peter makes in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). The preposition “for” comes from the Greek word “eis” which is defined by Strong’s to mean, “to or into (indicating the point reached or entered, of place, time, fig. purpose, result).”
There are those who argue the Bible translations should translate the Greek preposition “because of” instead of “for”. Understanding baptism to be “because of the forgiveness of your sins” would force a consequential change to the purpose of baptism. It would shift the forgiveness of sins to be something that happened before baptism, relegating the act to a pure ceremonial display.
It [Gr “eis”] is used over 1,700 times in the New Testament and it shows movement toward a goal. It indicates purpose. (radicallychristian.com)
When reviewing the actual Greek definition of “eis” and its use throughout Scripture, arguing for its translation to be “because of” is a stretch (to say the least). But what if those counter-arguments were less clear? What if the translation of “eis” were a little more vague or inconsistent? How would Scripture interpret Scripture in this case?
How Scripture answers "Is baptism for the forgiveness of sins?"
Baptism is for, not because of, the forgiveness of sins1, and is consistent with the purpose of John’s baptism3 that prepared the way. Jesus’ blood fulfills the requirement10 and is the cleansing agent2,5,7,8,9 of sin. It is only through “death” (e.g. baptism) that an individual contacts His blood6,7. It’s just as Paul asked rhetorically, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”6 and why Peter directly linked baptism to what saves us4.
1
When they heard these words, they were pierced in the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles what they should do [to be saved]. Peter told them that they each should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins, and they would then receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This “gift” was the promise made for all that the Lord calls to himself, even those far off.
Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost where he recalled several prophetic statements from Joel and David (vss 16-36). By divine inspiration, Peter interpreted these statements to apply their fulfillment to Jesus and the ushering in of the “last days.”
On believing his message (that Jesus was the Christ), they asked what they needed to do to be saved. More were continuing to be saved and they began meeting together as the Lord’s church (
The passage called into question the translation of the Greek word “eis” into “for” instead of “because of”. The former makes forgiveness of sins a result of baptism; the latter makes baptism an afterthought of sins already forgiven.
2
Jesus uses the same preposition (“eis” translated “for”) and prepositional phrase (“for the forgiveness of sins”). In this case, it’s the pouring out of his blood that results in the forgivness of sins.
3
Mark’s quick gospel introduction giving account of John the Baptist’s fulfilling the Isaiah prophesy that he would “prepare the way of the Lord” (vss 2-3).
Part of John the Baptist’s preparation for the Christ included a baptism that was for the forgiveness of sins.
4
Peter is comparing the way in which Noah and his family were saved (through water) to the way baptism now saves (also through water). Importantly, he’s not discounting or negating the gift of God’s son and His sacrifice which makes it all possible. Those elements that make salvation possible at all are alluded to, it’s just not his main point right here.
Baptism is a physical act, but isn’t for a physical purpose (“removal of dirt from the body”). Instead, it serves as an appeal to God that saves us.
5
- Vision One (1:9-3:22) – Jesus speaking to the seven churches
- Vision Two (4:1-16:21) – Seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls of wrath; “one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls” introduces the last two (and therefore possibly connected):
- Vision Three (17:1-21:8) – Babylon the Harlot
- Vision Four (21:9-22:5) – Jerusalem the Bride
Jesus’ blood being shed is what sets us free from our sins.
6
Paul is making the broader point of the richness and fullness of God’s grace toward sinful man (chap 5) before turning to man’s response (and responsibility) for salvation. He states the absurdity of continuing “in sin” (vs 1) because they killed off their old self through baptism (vs 3).
Only those that have died have “been set free from sin.” How do we die? Verse 3, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”
!! scripture-block context extra important here !!
7
The blood of animals, when sprinkled on those that had sinned, cleansed them and purified them ritualistically. Far greater is Christ’s blood offered to God through the Spirit; offered in order to purify individuals from dead works (sin) for worship to the living God.
Hebrews is a letter encouraging Jewish Christians to “hold fast” because their faith in Christ is “better” than the Mosaic law they were under in numerous ways.
Under the Old Law, people were “consecrated” by the sprinkling of blood from animals (Exodus 24), but Christ’s blood is now what cleanses us.
!! scripture-block context extra important here !!
The context for this passage continues well down into chapter 10 (and beyond), but for this question the conclusion of his point in this passage is noted in Hebrews 10:19-22– “our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water”.
8
From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To the Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor in accordance with the foreknowledge of God the Father, set apart by the Holy Spirit to be obedient to the word of Christ and to be sprinkled with His blood. May you be granted abundant grace and peace.
The sanctification or setting apart of the “elect” (e.g. Christians) is for the purpose of obedience to Jesus and the sprinkling of His blood.
9
We are lying if we say we are partnered with God when we walk in worldly ways and ignore the truth. However, if we walk in righteousness, as he is righteous, we have fellowhip with each other and the blood of Jesus washes away our sins.
The Apostle John’s opening in a letter written to Christians encouraging them to love each other (as God loves) and resist false teaching. His instruction appears to be to individual Christians (not a particular church).
Jesus’ blood “cleanses us from all sin”.
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