though circumcision is a matter of indifference (Gal 5:6; 6:15), the Judaizers have failed to see that “a new creation” has dawned (Gal 6:15; cp. 2 Cor 5:17). The reality of the new creation is indissolubly linked with the gift of the Spirit. It is instructive, then, to see that baptism is closely associated with the gift of the Spirit. We have seen that Tit 3:5 speaks of “the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Almost every word here has an eschatological import, signifying
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