Orthodox Catechism Questions 76,77 &78

Question 76:
Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood
and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?
Answer:
In the institution of baptism where he says: "Therefore go and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (a) "Whoever
believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not
believe will be condemned."(b) This promise is repeated when
Scripture calls baptism the washing of rebirth (c) and the
washing away of sins. (d)
(a) Matt. 28:19
(b) Mark 16:16
(c) Titus 3:5
(d) Acts 22:16

Question 77:
Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?
Answer:
No, only Jesus Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from
all sins. (a)
(a) Matt. 3:11; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 John 1:7

Question 78:
Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of
rebirth and the washing away of sins?
Answer:
God has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that
the blood and Spirit of Christ wash away our sins just as water
washes away dirt from our bodies. (a) But more important, he
wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign, that the
washing away of our sins spiritually is as real as physical
washing with water. (b)
(a) Matt. 3:11; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 John 1:7
(b) Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27