Of Baptism, XXVIII:6

The efficacy of Baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongs unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in His appointed time.

Elaborating further on the relationship between the ordinance of baptism and salvation, the divines underscored their rejection of baptismal regeneration by denying that what God does in baptism is necessarily tied to the actual administration of the sacrament. In other words, simply because an infant (for example) receives baptism does not mean that infant is immediately regenerated and saved. This should be abundantly clear from the example of an adult who comes to faith in Christ and submits to baptism. In the case of the adult regeneration and saving faith have come about prior to baptism, which then illustrates the truth of the spiritual transformation already undergone and exhibits or points toward the promises of God. Similarly, the actual application of spiritual benefit in the life of one baptized as an infant does not necessarily occur then and there--indeed, according to this passage, it may never occur if it is not God's will to save that person--but at God's own appointed time then or in the future according to the counsel of his own will.

So it remains a false idea that one can save a person simply by baptizing him. Salvation is of the Lord, and his hands are not tied by the actions of human ministers.

Tomorrow: The frequency of baptism.