The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Infant salvation

I perceive that there is much confusion which occupies your thinking and I'm not sure if I will be able to entangle the labyrinth that exists there.

1) Of course the effectual call is irresistible, for that is what "effectual means".

2) Let me state it one more time, although I fail to understand how you could have missed it before. In the order of time, first comes regeneration which is a quickening of a sinner's spiritually dead soul. This creation of a new nature ENABLES the individual (makes it possible) at the time of an "outward call" with which the Holy Spirit normally works in conjunction and brings the "inward call" (efficacious/effectual call), to which the sinner responds. I cannot help but believe that much of your confusion is due to your belief that a sinner has no part in conversion; i.e., that no one exercises their will in repenting of their sins and believing upon Christ. This position you hold and which you have often stated on this Board is as erroneous as it is extreme.

Nooooooo, you are so confused! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes2.gif" alt="" /> Infants are incapable of hearing the Word; i.e., the normal ministry of the Word. Regeneration is normally wrought by the Holy Spirit during a time when the Word is preached. This is true for adults and all those who are physically capable of hearing that Word. Chapter 10, section III of the WCF is addressing a specific situation, i.e., infants who die in infancy and those who are incapable of apprehending the "outward call", the ministry of the Word. What it is teaching is that there is no reason to doubt the grace and mercy of God Who will have ALL the elect saved, even those who die in infancy and those who are physically impaired to the point where they are outside the effects of the preaching of the Word. In these specific cases, the Holy Spirit is not bound to the typical and normal means which God has ordained to call sinners to Christ.

IMHO, No! there is no benefit to the reprobate in baptism.

In His Grace,