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Pilgrim said:
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".

Do you mean that, without the Word of God, there is no baptism? Is the WCF your confession?

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The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinancy the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time.

What is the efficacious baptismal grace promised, offered, really exhibited, and conferred? And how does this baptismal grace differ from baptismal regeneration? Is it possible to receive efficacious grace without regeneration?

Do you agree with the English Baptists of the 1689 London Confession that Baptism is an effectual means of salvation? If so, how does that differ from baptismal regeneration?

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Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or in him that administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive them. (1 Peter 3:21; 1 Cor. 3:6,7; 1 Cor. 12:13)