B. What this means. In Num. 21 when the Israelites sinned they were bitten by snakes and could not save themselves or avoid death. The help which God afforded was absolutely necessary. These are only a few of the many instances. In and through baptism, the water and the Spirit, God causes rebirth, regeneration.
Baptism makes salvation possible.
It washes away our sins. It brings the Holy Spirit. Through the Word it gives faith in the promises of God. Why this is necessary. It was according to the plan of the Triune God.