Saved by Grace: The Holy Spirit's Work in Calling and Regeneration

by Herman Bavinck

The Synod of Utrecht 1905 addressed this question in a manner that clearly mirrors Bavinck’s views. The Conclusions assert that the language of immediate regeneration can be used in a proper sense in order to distinguish the Reformed view from Roman Catholic and Lutheran errors, for the Word and sacraments do not themselves effect regeneration; that privilege and work is reserved to the almighty operations of the Holy Spirit. Nonetheless, “this regenerating operation of the Holy Spirit … should not be in such a way divorced from the preaching of the Word as if these two were separate from each other.” As for covenant infants who die at a tender age, Scripture and confession teach us not to doubt their salvation; however, the case of infants ought not to compromise the clear biblical affirmation that “the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, and that in the case of adults the regenerating operation of the Holy Spirit accompanies the preaching of the Gospel.”143