Baptism is not only a sign of the forgiveness of sins, it is a sign of the forgiveness of sins in Christ. This should not surprise us for there is no other way to receive the forgiveness of sins than to receive them in Christ. This sacrament is a sign of that very reality. It is a sign of the new covenant in Christ’s blood in which God our Father swears an oath to us, saying, “I am your God and you are my people.” We observe this sacrament knowing that He who has promised is faithful, and He will surely save.