Or does any one say, by baptismal regeneration, we understand an
inferior kind or degree of regeneration, the beginning of the change. If
so, then do not mistake the beginning for the completion of this great
spiritual renovation; nor ascribe to the one, the precious promises and
spiritual benefits which belong only to the other.
In short, if the word regeneration, in connexion with baptism, be
employed to signify anything resembling its proper meaning, its
influence on the preached gospel must be baneful; and just in proportion
as we use it in a sense approximating to its legitimate import, does it
obscure, confuse and derange the ideas of men as to the great and
glorious plan of salvation in the gospel, which represent all men as
either for or against Christ, and appeals to their works as decisive of
their actual, spiritual character, as friends or as enemies of the
Redeemer.
Such being the deleterious influence of this doctrine, it is important
to show, that it finds no sanction from a just interpretation of the
Word of God.
By baptismal regeneration is properly meant the doctrine that baptism
is necessarily and invariably attended by spiritual regeneration; and
that such water baptism is essential to salvation.
In the case of all adults, the Scriptures represent _faith in Christ_ as
the necessary prerequisite to baptism, and baptism as a rite by which
those who had already consecrated themselves to Christ, or been
converted, made a public profession of the fact, received a pledge of
the divine favor, or of forgiveness of sins, and were admitted to
membership in the visible church.
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