By the way - it is my understanding that the Reformed hold the sacraments (in this case Baptism) along with the Preaching of the Word as "Means of Grace". Am I mistaken?

If so doesn't that indeed make Baptism an instrument by which God can give the believer faith? In the same manner that it can be given in the preaching of the Word? After all, isn't Baptism just a "visual word" so to speak.

This is my understanding of Calvin - and frankly many current scholars in the continental reformed tradition. Am I missing something?

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Chad Hamilton
Peace With Christ (LCMS)
Fort Collins, Colorado