The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum The Role Of Works In Our Salvation (2)

Man, what a convoluted "defense" you have offered here! Either regeneration, which you claim takes place at baptism exists in the recipient or it does not. Secondly, it seems you can't make up your mind whether regeneration precedes or follows faith?? Thirdly, if regeneration does take place when an infant (adult?) is baptised, it is either efficacious or it is not. If it is, then that individual is guaranteed salvation as the regeneration produces the repentance and faith necessary for justification and the good works to follow for sanctification. If one is regenerated then it is indisputably "beneficial", unless salvation isn't something which you think is beneficial.

It would also appear, which would be consistent with conservative Lutheran theology, that you believe in "baptismal regeneration", i.e., regeneration is inextricably connected with baptism and infallibly occurs at the time of baptism. Would this be a correct understanding of YOUR position too? If so, then I would posit that it is YOU who denies Sola Fide for baptism in this view is equally necessary for salvation, placing baptism in the category of a work. This clearly is in opposition to the biblical teaching. (cf. Joh 1:12, 13)

Further, the charge by some Lutherans, which Tom mentioned, that Calvinism is more aligned to the teachings of Rome is totally illogical and even hilarious for Lutheranism in its adherence to baptismal regeneration follows Rome in nearly every point. Would you hold that one can be saved without baptism?

Lastly, the WCF states in regard to the salvation of infants who die in infancy and those mentally incapable of comprehending the gospel:

III. Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated, and saved by Christ, through the Spirit,[12] who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth:[13] so also are all other elect persons who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.[14]

12. Gen. 17:7; Luke 1:15; 18:15-16; Acts 2:39; John 3:3, 5; I John 5:12
13. John 3:8
14. John 16:7-8; I John 5:12; Acts 4:12
(WCF Chapter 10, Article III)

In short, the Confession teaches that ALL the "elect" are saved despite their physical condition. Salvation is of the LORD Who works in the elect at His appointed time by the Holy Spirit Who regenerates them and thus unites them to Christ. So, even here, regeneration guarantees salvation to those who have been elected from eternity. (cf. Rom 8:29, 30; Eph 1:4-13; et al)

In His Grace,