Systematic Theology (Vol 3) - Hodge - XXXIV - Chapter 20 (The means of grace) continued

Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 20 by reading up to the subheading '13. Lutheran doctrine of baptism'.

My summary
Today Hodge explains the different views on the efficacy of Baptism:
(i) baptism is a condition of salvation;
(ii) baptism is a duty;
(iii) baptism is a means of grace;
(iv) baptismal regeneration.

He affirms those he believes are correct and refutes those that he believes are false (particularly baptismal regeneration).

What grabbed me
I appreciated Hodge's first reason for rejecting baptismal regeneration: '1. The first, the most obvious, and the most decisive argument against this doctrine is, that, so far as any work or act of the sinner is concerned, the Bible everywhere teaches that the only indispensable condition of salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. " As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up : that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not pei'ish, but have everlasting life." (John iii. 14-16.) ••' He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life : and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him " (ver. 36). " I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me shall never hunger ; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John vi. 35.) " This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life : and I will raise him up at the last day " (ver. 40). "He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." (John xi. 25, 26.) These are the words of Jesus. This is the gospel which the Apostles preached, going everywhere and saying to every sinner whom they met, " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (Acts xvi. 31.) "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." (1 John v. 1.) " Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God ? " (ver. 5.) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but these words can never pass away. No man may add to them, or detract from them. Whosoever believes on the Son hath everlasting life. This stands firm. It matters not to what Church he may belong ; it matters not whether he be Jew or Gentile, bond or free, learned or unlearned, good or bad, baptized or unbaptized, whosoever believes shall be saved.'

Amen!

Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 20 by reading up to the subheading '15. The Lord's supper'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.