“Because of this basin of repentance and knowledge of God, which has been ordained for the transgression of God's people, as Isaiah cries, we have believed, and we testify that the very baptism which he announced is alone able to purify those who have repented. It is the water of life. But the cisterns which you have dug for yourselves are broken and of no benefit to you. For what is the use of a baptism which cleanses the flesh and body alone? Baptize the soul from wrath and from covetousness, from envy, and from hatred, and, lo, the body is pure.”
![“I [i.e., God] have given you baptism as a gift for the forgiveness of sins, and preach to you unceasingly by word of mouth concerning this treasure, sealing it with the Sacrament of my body and blood, so that you need never doubt. True, it seems little and insignificant that by the washing of…” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/899/martin-luther-106_baptism_i-i-e-god-have-given-you-baptism-as-a-gi_2828333.jpg)
![“If you are eagerly looking for salvation, and if you believe in God, you may ... become acquainted with the Christ of God, and, after being initiated [a reference to baptism], live a happy life.” quote by Justin Martyr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c7c/justin-martyr-22055_baptism_if-you-are-eagerly-looking-for-salvation_665157.jpg)
