Cause and Effect

Another case against Baptismal Regeneration:

1 Corinthians 1:14-18
“I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. Christ the Power and Wisdom of God. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
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If Baptismal Regeneration were true, then Paul would have desired to baptize as many people as possible. He would not have restrained himself from baptizing all the believers in Corinth at that time, if baptism were the means to obtain salvation.

His point is not against baptism, but that baptism is not the Gospel and it is not the means to be born again. It is a fruit of being born again.

He also raises the issue that baptism is in Jesus name, not in any other name, or the name of a church, therefore it doesn’t matter who does the baptizing.

Faith is the cause, and goodness and holiness in love is the effect, or the fruit of our faith.

If we had the power to be good people by ourselves then goodness would not be described as FRUIT of the Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit means it comes from Him, it is His fruit.

Our faith is a gift, and it’s the means by which God produces His good fruits in us.

Personal holiness and righteousness is the FRUIT of believing Jesus Christ.

It cannot be produced by ourselves as a means to reach God. By our good works we can’t reach God.

Galatians 5:22-24
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”