 |
|
     |
|
|
|
In sorting through questions about efficacy of baptism, it's important to realize that terms are used differently by various theologians. Chemnitz, for instance, claims that baptism has a twofold effect, "regeneration and renewal." The very fact that he describes these as distinct effects should alert us to the fact that he's not using "regeneration" in the typical post-Reformation Reformed sense. When he explains the first effect of baptism, that point becomes even clearer:
"sins are washed away in remission through Baptism by the Word, so that they are not imputed, if they who are baptized remain in Christ through faith; and thus guilt is taken away. . . . And this remission is not half or partial, but full, perfect, and complete."
More explicitly, he says elsewhere that "Regeneration indeed, that is, adoption and the forgiveness of sins is complete and finished in believers immediately after Baptism, and yet it nevertheless extends through the whole life of man." Renewal is also begun in baptism, and from there "grows daily, but is finally completed in the life to come."
What Chemnitz calls "renewal" is closer to what Reformed theologians call "regeneration," and he claims that it begins with baptism. But he doesn't call that transformation of life "regeneration."
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 01:29 PM
Permission is given to use material on this site, provided the source is cited, blog entries are republished in full, and the author is notified in advance.
1 & 2 Kings
Brazos Theological Commentary
The Promise Of His Appearing: An Exposition Of Second Peter
A Great Mystery: Fourteen Wedding Sermons
Deep Comedy: Trinity, Tragedy, And Hope In Western Literature
Miniatures & Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen
The Priesthood of the Plebs: A Theology of Baptism
A Son To Me: An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel
From Silence to Song: The Davidic Liturgical Revolution
Ascent to Love: A Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy
Blessed Are the Hungry: Meditations on the Lord's Supper
A House For My Name: A Survey of the Old Testament
Heroes of the City of Man: A Christian Guide to Select Ancient Literature
Brightest Heaven of Invention: A Christian Guide To Six Shakespeare Plays
Wise Words: Family Stories That Bring the Proverbs to Life
The Kingdom and the Power: Rediscovering the Centrality of the Church
