Lecture 2 - What About Baptism?

Lecture 2 from the
'ANALYZING THE FEDERAL VISION SEMINAR'
at Woodruff Road PCA

'What About Baptism?'-Dr. Guy Waters

FV proponents sometimes argue that their doctrine of sacramental efficacy (what the sacraments do) is true to the Westminster Standards. Their doctrine, however, is counter to the teaching of the Standards.

FV proponents sometimes appeal to passages like Acts 2:38, 22:16, Rom 6:3-4, 1 Cor 6:11,1 Cor 12:13 to support their very strong view of sacramental efficacy. When viewed in context, these passages do not support the doctrine that baptism inexorably communicates redemptive benefits.

FV proponents downplay preaching as means of conversion. They do so by emphasizing baptism as the point at which one receives Christ and his benefits.

One proponent specifically argues that baptism communicates to the baptized all the redemptive benefits and blessings of Christ (except for perseverance).

FV proponents teach that baptized persons may not and sometimes do not persevere to the end. They apostatize. In other words, they forfeit redemptive blessings that they truly possessed.