Originally Posted by AV1611

Thanks for the responses thus far. Is it possible to determine whether they held to an ex opere operato view of baptismal efficacy, i.e. disounting "worthy reception" (by/through faith)? From my reading of St. Augustine he would hold that baptism takes away original sin. That poses the question in my mind, is Augustine saying that the water does that or that the Spirit of God does that through the water.

Are we able to determine what the ECF meant by "regeneration". Calvin understood it to be lifelong if I am not mistaken.

My biggest problem with saying tha baptism regenerates is the even if it were true then that must mean circumcision regenerated in the OT but then what did before Genesis 17?

Random thoughts, I know, but I need to get back to my essay.