The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Wicked Baptists

Hey Anne,

I'll respond so that you aren't left to be the "mug"! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

I think Anne sufficiently answered your question by saying that the normal means by which God has ordained to call His elect to faith is the preaching of the Word. (Rom 1:16; 10:14-17; et al) It is in conjunction with the preaching of the Word (outward call) that the Holy Spirit typically regenerates and draws (inward call) sinners to Christ. That there are exceptions does not negate the typical and expected means. What I don't find is any biblical warrant to attribute baptism as one of the "means" through which the Holy Spirit works regeneration. The sacraments (ordinance for my Credobaptist friends <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) are ancillary to the verbal communication of the Gospel. They are ineffective in and of themselves as a "means of grace". What is necessary for regeneration is the secret, silent and sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. He is not bound to any particular means, but rather typically works in conjunction with the Word. I find no place in all Scripture where a person has been regenerated in baptism and thereafter believed. There are some paedobaptists, in addition to Lutherans, who would say otherwise; i.e., that infants can be presumed regenerate at their baptism. Yet, not one shred of biblical evidence is offered to substantiate this belief.

Assuredly not. But likewise, the Holy Spirit does not come because of the preparations, prayers, works or administration of a sacrament in behalf of another. (John 1:13; 3:7, 8) Men are not to rest in anything, including baptism, nor seek assurance of salvation in anything, including their baptism, other than the shed blood of Christ and the promise of God to save all who have come to Him through Christ. (1Cor 1:30)

In His Grace,