In reply to:[color:"blue"]Well, that is a statement put out by the session of the Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church, not Doug Wilson. I was referring to him specifically. But since we're on it, I would say that the Auburn session does not distort the teaching of Sola Fide, though it still open to criticism for muddying the waters in other areas, like what it means to be united to Christ, partake of His benefits, etc. Editor's note emphasis mine
Jason in your statement you made mention of the fact that the Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church Statement (hereby designated AAPCS) was open to criticism because of their "muddying of the waters" Frankly I don't think they've muddied it I think they threw the baby out with the bath water. In this section of their statement:
In reply to:[color:"blue"]7. By baptism one is joined to Christ's body, united to Him covenantally, and given all the blessings and benefits of His work (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:1ff; WSC #94). This does not, however, grant to the baptized final salvation; rather, it obligates him to fulfill the terms of the covenant (embracing these blessings by faith, repenting of sins, and persevering in faithful obedience to God). One can only fulfill the terms of the covenant by faith, not by works. And even this faith is the gift of God, lest anyone should boast.
They are claiming that baptism regenerates a person. Because they did not say "in baptism" but "by baptism" they are siding with the RCC when they say:
In reply to:[color:"blue"]1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."
In reply to:[color:"blue"] I believe that water baptism is the laver of regeneration (Tit. 3:5). Baptism now saves us (1 Pet. 3:20-21). In baptism we call upon the Lord, washing our sins away (Acts 22:16). I believe in one baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Only an evangelical faith can see this without superstition.
What Evangelical would agree to that? This is what Toombs had to say with regards to baptism:
In reply to:[color:"blue"]Quest. 34. What is the chief end of Baptism.
Ans. To testifie the Repentance, Faith, Hope, Love, and Resolution of the Baptized to follow Christ, Gal. 3.27. Rom. 6.3,4. 1 Cor. 15.29. calling upon the Name of the Lord, Acts 22.16.
In reply to:[color:"blue"]Q. 100. What is Baptism?
A. Baptism is an holy ordinance, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, signifies our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.
Baptism doesn't save us it is a sign and a seal of Christ's salvation in us. To say that it produces initial salvation of any type is a heretical statement.
