A Theological Study of Baptismal Regeneration and the Cross

1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

"For Christ sent me not to baptize."  The apostle Paul was sent directly by God through supernatural revelation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ about the supernatural gospel of God.  He was not sent to baptize.  Isn't that "out of place" if infant baptism takes away and pardons original sin?  Why would the great apostle Paul neglect alleged "baptismal regeneration" if he indeed believed it could save the soul?  Could it be that "baptismal regeneration" is a man-made teaching that denies the gospel by adding to the glad tidings of Christ?  Remember Paul comes to preach the supremacy of the Cross in the gospel.  He does not come to baptize the sons and daughters of Adam.  Rather he comes to preach the centrality of the Cross.  

"...but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words."  Paul came to preach the gospel of the Cross.  He did not come with wisdom of words.  He equals by implication "preaching baptism to save" with "wisdom of words."  The preaching of a baptism that saves is a mistaken doctrine of the wisdom of mere men.  It is the wisdom of words.   Rather we ought to preach the supremacy and centrality of the gospel of the Cross of our God and Creator.

"...lest the Cross of Christ should be of none effect."  We ought to never preach baptism as some doctrine that saves us or pardons sin.  If we add to the Cross it is useless and worthless.   It becomes of none effect.  The Cross stands on its own as the way sinners are pardoned, forgiven, cleansed and provided with abundant divine grace.  The Cross is the way to receive supernatural grace.  Romanism adds to the Cross through baptismal regeneration.  It is contrary to the Bible and the doctrine of the Cross.