For example, Collins’ catechism specifically says that water cannot wash away sin. Ortlund also said that Baptists have historically had a high view of the sacraments, including baptism, believing that God is “at work” in baptism.
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Ortlund spent some time, using the example of Cornelius in Acts 10, addressing why he personally does not believe in baptismal regeneration and how believers have historically spoken about this concept. The main point, he said, is that whether or not people believe that baptism has saving power, everyone should be able to agree that Cornelius was baptized “for” the forgiveness of his sins.
“This is how language can work,” said Ortlund, giving as an illustration the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. She technically became queen as soon as her father died, yet it was still accurate for people to say that she was “becoming the queen” later during her coronation. “That’s just one metaphor to try to get at how we think, in the Baptist tradition, baptism is functioning,” Ortlund said.
“Anyways,” he concluded, “the main point is not to argue for a Baptist view of these things, but the main point is to say Baptists historically have affirmed the Nicene Creed, and today should do so without any hesitation and with enthusiasm. We have complicated issues, but this is one I think we can all get on board with.”
