Tag: Sign and Seal

You Must Be Born Of Water And Spirit

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5). What does it mean to be “born of water and of the Spirit”? Some see this text as support for the doctrine of baptismal regeneration. Accordingly, they claim that the sacrament of baptism is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. However, such a reading is tenuous and unbiblical. We will first demonstrate that “water” here refers to the inward cleansing of the Holy Spirit. And secondly, we will give five reasons why “water and the Spirit” does not refer to the sacrament of baptism.… Read More You Must Be Born Of Water And Spirit

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The Efficacy of the Sacraments | William Perkins

William PerkinsReformed Catholic, Works VII, pp. 134-138Of the Efficacy of the Sacraments I. Our Consent Conclusion 1. We teach and believe that the sacraments are signs to represent Christ with His benefits unto us. Conclusion 2. We teach further, that the sacraments are indeed instruments whereby God offers and gives the foresaid benefits unto us.… Read More The Efficacy of the Sacraments | William Perkins

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Baptism Now Saves You | William Ames

The outward baptism doth not save us of itself, but the inward, because outward baptism is common to the hypocrites as well as to the faithful, it comes not unto the soul, and it hath no saving power in itself. This may serve to admonish us, not to put too much trust and confidence in the outward Sacraments, or to rely thereupon, that we are baptized and partake of the Lord’s Supper, but  always to seek the spiritual grace of the Sacraments.… Read More Baptism Now Saves You | William Ames

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