03-19-2008, 09:03 PM
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 | PCA Pastor | | Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Katy, Texas
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onemaster  Quote: |
It matters not what Burgess thought or taught as an individual even if I grant your point (which I do not). We don't form Reformed theology by quoting our favorite authors in a "quote mash" to form our favorite Reformed brew, re-define the Confessions according to our scheme, and then announce to the rest: "You guys are not really Reformed...."
| One of the major points of Burgess' book, which you are free to read for yourself, was that his doctrine was the doctrine of the Church of England, other Reformed Divines (including Calvin, Bucer, etc.), and the other reformed churches. It was not his private opinion, but was considered thoroughly orthodox by other Calvinists at the time (not to mention the Church Fathers). Quote: |
It says precisely what I said. Baptism is not the instrument of regeneration. It says no such thing. It says it is a sign thereof and is related to it as sign is to the thing signified.
| Are you saying that the confession teaches that baptism is a bare sign that does not confer the grace signified? | Baptism only confers grace to the elect. Period. End of story. It does not confer some kind of half-way, "initial" "temporary" or other kind of grace. It actually conveys condemnation for the non-elect.
__________________ Fredrick T. Greco
Senior Pastor, Christ Church PCA (Katy, TX) Christ Church Blog "The heart is the main thing in true religion...It is the hinge and turning-point in the condition of man's soul. If the heart is alive to God and quickened by the Spirit, the man is a living Christian. If the heart is dead and has not the Spirit, the man is dead before God." (J.C. Ryle) |