Although it be a great sin to condemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated, or saved, without it: or, that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated.
Our Lord has commanded baptism--as we go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, we are commanded to baptise them in the Triune Name of God. So to avoid or neglect baptism is indeed a great sin. Yet it is very important to distinguish obedience to the Lord's ordinance and the salvation through grace that he has accomplished for his people. Baptism in itself does not save; it does not regenerate, and here the divines implicitly deny the (false) doctrine of baptismal regeneration. Baptism is not the agency of regeneration, for that would usurp the role of the Holy Spirit, who moves and works as he wills. Nor does baptism guarantee salvation, as if all who receive it are automatically saved. It is quite possible--although irregular and not desirable--that a Christian could go through life unbaptized and yet be saved.
Tomorrow: More on the relationship between baptism and salvation.
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