What would you say in response to the doctrine of baptismal regeneration? - R.C. Sproul

We cannot assume that someone has been born again simply because they have been baptized. From one of our Ask R.C. events, R.C. Sproul provides a biblical response to the doctrine of baptismal regeneration.

#AskLigonier

[redeemedzoomer]

This is not the Reformed view. The Reformers taught that Baptism is not just a sign, it's a sacramental union of the sign, and the thing signified. The outward sign is Baptism with water, and the inward reality is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but even if they don't always go together, they are united in one sacrament, and to quote Westminster "signs take the names of things signified" regarding the sacraments, so it is right to say that, in some sense, Baptism saves

[rickpettey]

I keep hearing that “baptism is an outward act of a spiritual decision.” Where is that in the Bible exactly? 2nd Hezekiah 3:16 perhaps? On the other I have it clearly in God’s Word that Baptism actually saves you (1Peter 3:21).

[stevesizemore]

I agree with Sproul. Fewer and fewer Presbyterians do these days. They are turning Lutheran on baptism more and more.

[ProtestantismLeftBehind]

Another innovative explanation that is contrary to historical Christianity.

[joseortegabeede]

Sad that Sproul kept rejecting clear biblical theology even at the end of his life.

[caman]

if presbyterians dont believe in baptismal regeneration, then why do they subscribe to the nicene creed which obviously states it?

[arthurwolfgramm]

This is a huge problem. I grew up thinking and being taught that baptism saved a person. Baptism is an outward act of a inward change.

[justanotherbaptistjew]

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
— 1 Corinthians 2:14

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
— Romans 8:6-8

The same argumentation concerning regeneration preceding faith must be used here. Does the Baptism of the elect please God? Then how can a natural (unregenerate) man decide to get baptized? If he is doing it in genuine faith, then the regeneration must precede it.

[Solideogloria]

Even though the Bible says “baptism now saves you” 1Peter 3:20-21

Peter says “repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit “ acts 2:38

Among other texts and the evidence of church history. Luther was right on baptism, Sproul is great but wrong on this point.
Love you brother Sproul .

[dimitri]

If you deny baptismal regeneration, you can drop your discord information and we can debate.This is an open challenge.

[EsotericaVirtuoso]

So, one must be regenerated to come to faith in God? But, being regenerated means your sins have been forgiven. And for your sins to be forgiven you must have faith. Clearly one cant be saved before having faith. Therefore, his entire point is irrelevant, since he doesn't even understand how one comes to be regenerated( sins remissed).

[camslevin]

John 3:5
1 Peter 3:20
Mark 16:16
Matthew 28:19
Acts 2:38

Baptism doesn’t save?

[justenadams]

I'll never understand reformed theology...we can trust in many things freely except for God? Get outta here!

[TheAvenstar]

What would I say in response to the DOCTRINE of baptismal regeneration?
And just what doctrine would that be? Baptism doesn't regenerate anybody. It never has. It never will. Baptism is the obedient RESPONSE of an already regenerated person!

[georgeramos]

He didn’t prove any scriptural refutations.

[shostycellist]

Lutheran here. Baptism is a visible absolution no different than the absolution said by the pastor every Sunday, "Your sins are forgiven you". This absolution is based on the objective fact of the forgiveness of the sins of the world accomplished in Christ's work. This word of God, this announcement of glad tidings, this Gospel that comes as a promise is a creative word that works faith in addition to being the object of faith. The Gospel, the only means that the Holy Spirit uses to apply the benefits of redemption, comes to us in baptism; to be washed outwardly with water is to be washed in the precious blood of Christ Himself. Baptism saves is to say the Gospel saves.

[samuelabugan]

One more thing here is that baptism is only in the new covenant

[unit]

Possibly the biggest reason I left modern Presbyterianism for Lutheranism. The Bible clearly teaches that Baptism saves, and the entire church believed it until the radical reformation. We also confess “one baptism for the remission of sins” in the Nicene Creed.

[antongunnarsson]

I do not believe in baptismal regeneration though I would argue that it has more to do with how someone views regeneration in other words if it can be lost.

[RobertWilliam-yugi]

Baby baptism is not scriptural, there are no examples of it in the New Testament.:)