Can we as reformed really believe in the original intent of the Nicene creed without believing in Baptismal regeneration? I find it difficult to believe that this line of the creed isn't saying that our sins are actually washed away in baptism, especially in context with what many of the Ante-Nicene Fathers believed about baptism. Here are a couple of examples, but I haven't been able to find any church father opposed to the idea of baptismal regeneration. Can't we, and shouldn't we as reformed Christians say that, while we believe in the baptism for the remission of sins, that we understand it differently than when the creed was written? Is it really necessary that we hold to the inerrancy of creeds and confessions when clearly there is a contradiction in the Westminster Confession and the Nicene Creed? Perhaps I am missing something here, so please try to make me understand. First I'll quote the WCF on baptism.
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Chapter XXVIII
Of Baptism
V. Although it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance,[13] [b:8be9c8f297]yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated, or saved, without it:[14] or, that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated.[/b:8be9c8f297] [15]
VI. The efficacy of Baptism is [b:8be9c8f297]not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered[/b:8be9c8f297];[16] yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongs unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in His appointed time.[17][/quote:8be9c8f297]
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I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins...
--Nicene Creed
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*Man with respect to that formation which was after Adam, having fallen into transgression, needed the bath of regeneration. Therefore, the Lord said to [the blind man] after He had smeared his eyes with the clay, "Go to Siloam and wash." By this means, He restored to him both confirmation and that regeneration that takes place by means of the bath.
--Irenaeus
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*We indeed descend into the water full of sins and defilement. However, we come up, bearing fruit in our heart, having the fear [of God] and the trust in Jesus in our spirit.
--Barnabas
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*They descended into the water dead, and arise alive.
--Hermas
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*Early Church Fathers are quoted from:
"A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs"
David W. Bercot
Hendrickson Publishers, inc 1998
pp 50-53
[quote:8be9c8f297]
Chapter XXVIII
Of Baptism
V. Although it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance,[13] [b:8be9c8f297]yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated, or saved, without it:[14] or, that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated.[/b:8be9c8f297] [15]
VI. The efficacy of Baptism is [b:8be9c8f297]not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered[/b:8be9c8f297];[16] yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongs unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in His appointed time.[17][/quote:8be9c8f297]
[quote:8be9c8f297]
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins...
--Nicene Creed
[/quote:8be9c8f297]
[quote:8be9c8f297]
*Man with respect to that formation which was after Adam, having fallen into transgression, needed the bath of regeneration. Therefore, the Lord said to [the blind man] after He had smeared his eyes with the clay, "Go to Siloam and wash." By this means, He restored to him both confirmation and that regeneration that takes place by means of the bath.
--Irenaeus
[/quote:8be9c8f297]
[quote:8be9c8f297]
*We indeed descend into the water full of sins and defilement. However, we come up, bearing fruit in our heart, having the fear [of God] and the trust in Jesus in our spirit.
--Barnabas
[/quote:8be9c8f297]
[quote:8be9c8f297]
*They descended into the water dead, and arise alive.
--Hermas
[/quote:8be9c8f297]
*Early Church Fathers are quoted from:
"A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs"
David W. Bercot
Hendrickson Publishers, inc 1998
pp 50-53