Another OP on Infant Baptism

[Hammster]

Every one must, I think, clearly perceive, that all arguments of this stamp are mere perversions of Scripture. The other remaining arguments akin to these we shall cursorily examine. They object, that baptism is given for the remission of sins. When this is conceded, it strongly supports our view; for, seeing we are born sinners, we stand in need of forgiveness and pardon from the very womb. Moreover, since God does not preclude this age from the hope of mercy, but rather gives assurance of it, why should we deprive it of the sign, which is much inferior to the reality? The arrow, therefore, which they aim at us, we throw back upon themselves. Infants receive forgiveness of sins; therefore, they are not to be deprived of the sign.

That is a quote from Calvin concerning infant baptism. It sure seems that he is saying that baptism of infants either forgives them of their sins, or guarantees forgiveness of their sins.

 

[larryjf]

Every one must, I think, clearly perceive, that all arguments of this stamp are mere perversions of Scripture. The other remaining arguments akin to these we shall cursorily examine. They object, that baptism is given for the remission of sins. When this is conceded, it strongly supports our view; for, seeing we are born sinners, we stand in need of forgiveness and pardon from the very womb. Moreover, since God does not preclude this age from the hope of mercy, but rather gives assurance of it, why should we deprive it of the sign, which is much inferior to the reality? The arrow, therefore, which they aim at us, we throw back upon themselves. Infants receive forgiveness of sins; therefore, they are not to be deprived of the sign.

That is a quote from Calvin concerning infant baptism. It sure seems that he is saying that baptism of infants either forgives them of their sins, or guarantees forgiveness of their sins.

We have to look at what the quote is saying very carefully.
The bold part says that because infants receive forgiveness they shouldn't be deprived of baptism. So he's certainly not saying that baptism forgives because he puts baptism after forgiveness.

He is also not saying that all infants are forgiven, simply that infants do receive forgiveness. When we look at John the Baptist we see that he had the Holy Spirit even in the womb, so certainly that is proof that infants do receive forgiveness.

 

[Iosias]

I quoted that section above from his views on infant baptism. He is stating that if an infant is baptized then he is regenerated.

That is not Calvin's view, he argues that through baptism the infant is placed into the covenant community (the Church). Election and covenant are distinct and separate.