For many, too strong an emphasis on the efficacy of baptism undermines the necessity of faith or is a form of works righteousness. But that criticism assumes that baptism is a human work.

Not according to the First Helvetic Confession (1536), which states that sacraments are “not only a certain distinguishing mark of Christian fellowship,” but also signs of grace, “by which ministers work with the Lord to the end that what He promises is offered and effected, yet nevertheless just as has been said of the ministry of the Word, all the power of salvation is ascribed to the Lord only.”

“Ministers work with the Lord” to effect God’s promises. A wonderfully catholic Protestantism!