What is the purpose of infant baptism?

[RedFan]

Problem is--do you hold to baptismal regeneration?

Not sure. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays I read Mark 16:16, Gal. 3:27 and 1 Pet. 3:21 that way. On Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays I read them the other way. On Saturdays I am just unsure. Today is Saturday.

 

[Jude Thaddeus]

Problem is--do you hold to baptismal regeneration?

Yes, do you want biblical proof text? How much would suffice??? Calvin was the first Protestant to reject it, Luther did not. Do you agree with Calvin?

 

[Johann]

Yes, do you want biblical proof text? How much would suffice??? Calvin was the first Protestant to reject it, Luther did not. Do you agree with Calvin?

I don't hold to baptismal regeneration.

 

[Jude Thaddeus]

I don't hold to baptismal regeneration.

So you agree with Calvin, and disagree with Luther.
Burger King theology, "Have It Your Way".

 

[Johann]

So you agree with Calvin, and disagree with Luther.
Burger King theology, "Have It Your Way".

I am not a Luther or Calvin follower--that's YOUR Burger King theology.

Does Water Baptism Regenerate?
The question of whether water baptism regenerates (i.e., causes spiritual rebirth) has been a subject of theological debate throughout Christian history. Different Christian traditions hold varying views on the nature and efficacy of baptism in the process of regeneration.

Biblical Basis for Baptism and Regeneration
John 3:5:

"Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"

This verse is often cited in support of the belief that baptism (being born of water) and the work of the Holy Spirit are essential for entering the kingdom of God. Some interpret this as indicating that baptism is necessary for regeneration.

Acts 2:38:

"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Here, Peter links baptism with the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit, suggesting that baptism plays a role in the process of salvation and regeneration.

Titus 3:5:

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

This passage speaks of the "washing of regeneration," which many interpret as a reference to baptism, combined with the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:3-4:

"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Paul describes baptism as a participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, which implies a transformative, regenerative process.

Theological Perspectives
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Views:

Both traditions hold that baptism is a sacrament that confers grace and effects regeneration. In baptism, original sin is washed away, and the individual is spiritually reborn as a member of the Body of Christ.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1215): "This sacrament is also called 'the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,' for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one 'can enter the kingdom of God.'"

Lutheran View:

Lutherans believe that baptism is a means of grace that imparts faith, forgiveness of sins, and regeneration. They hold that the Holy Spirit works through baptism to create and strengthen faith.
Augsburg Confession, Article IX: "Concerning Baptism, our churches teach that Baptism is necessary for salvation and that God’s grace is offered through Baptism."
Reformed View:

Reformed theology generally views baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, symbolizing regeneration and union with Christ, but not necessarily effecting regeneration itself. Regeneration is seen as the work of the Holy Spirit, which may precede, coincide with, or follow baptism.

Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 28: "Baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of our ingrafting into Christ, and of regeneration."

Baptist and Evangelical View:

Many Baptists and Evangelicals believe that baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. They do not believe that baptism itself regenerates; rather, regeneration occurs through faith in Christ, and baptism is a public declaration of that faith.
Baptist Faith and Message 2000: "Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus."

Conclusion
The question of whether water baptism regenerates is answered differently across Christian traditions. Some, like Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutherans, see baptism as an effective means of grace that brings about regeneration. Others, such as Reformed Christians and many Evangelicals, view baptism as a symbolic act that signifies regeneration, which is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through faith. The interpretation of key biblical passages and the theological framework of each tradition significantly influence their stance on the role of baptism in regeneration.

Sorry friend, I go by what stands written.
J.

 

[Truther]

Yes, we place our hand on the person's head or shoulder, saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ, i baptize you in the name of the FATHER, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Dunk them completely into the water and raise them up, and also place the hand on them again, saying, "Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Since is according to as it is written, these must be done in complete faith, believe and confidence, and not in disbelieve.

Well, you should say in the name of the father son Holy Ghost, then baptize them in the name of Jesus. Now you just gotta switch it into forward instead of reverse.

 

[Jude Thaddeus]

I am not a Luther or Calvin follower--that YOUR Burger King theology.

Does Water Baptism Regenerate?
The question of whether water baptism regenerates (i.e., causes spiritual rebirth) has been a subject of theological debate throughout Christian history. Different Christian traditions hold varying views on the nature and efficacy of baptism in the process of regeneration.

Biblical Basis for Baptism and Regeneration
John 3:5:

"Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"

This verse is often cited in support of the belief that baptism (being born of water) and the work of the Holy Spirit are essential for entering the kingdom of God. Some interpret this as indicating that baptism is necessary for regeneration.

Acts 2:38:

"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Here, Peter links baptism with the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit, suggesting that baptism plays a role in the process of salvation and regeneration.

Titus 3:5:

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

This passage speaks of the "washing of regeneration," which many interpret as a reference to baptism, combined with the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:3-4:

"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Paul describes baptism as a participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, which implies a transformative, regenerative process.

Theological Perspectives
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Views:

Both traditions hold that baptism is a sacrament that confers grace and effects regeneration. In baptism, original sin is washed away, and the individual is spiritually reborn as a member of the Body of Christ.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1215): "This sacrament is also called 'the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,' for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one 'can enter the kingdom of God.'"

Lutheran View:

Lutherans believe that baptism is a means of grace that imparts faith, forgiveness of sins, and regeneration. They hold that the Holy Spirit works through baptism to create and strengthen faith.
Augsburg Confession, Article IX: "Concerning Baptism, our churches teach that Baptism is necessary for salvation and that God’s grace is offered through Baptism."
Reformed View:

Reformed theology generally views baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, symbolizing regeneration and union with Christ, but not necessarily effecting regeneration itself. Regeneration is seen as the work of the Holy Spirit, which may precede, coincide with, or follow baptism.

Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 28: "Baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of our ingrafting into Christ, and of regeneration."

Baptist and Evangelical View:

Many Baptists and Evangelicals believe that baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. They do not believe that baptism itself regenerates; rather, regeneration occurs through faith in Christ, and baptism is a public declaration of that faith.
Baptist Faith and Message 2000: "Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus."

Conclusion
The question of whether water baptism regenerates is answered differently across Christian traditions. Some, like Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutherans, see baptism as an effective means of grace that brings about regeneration. Others, such as Reformed Christians and many Evangelicals, view baptism as a symbolic act that signifies regeneration, which is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through faith. The interpretation of key biblical passages and the theological framework of each tradition significantly influence their stance on the role of baptism in regeneration.

Sorry friend, I go by what stands written.
J.

I don't understand why you resist baptismal regeneration, then make a post explaining various theological traditions. " I go by what stands written" according to a theological tradition of your choosing. I'm glad that works for you, but I stand with 2000 years of unchanging consistent teaching.

 

[Truther]

We read, even when water is not mentioned, they were all actually baptized with 'water'. This is because in Acts 10:47, Apostle Peter mentions 'water' to used to baptize people, and can any man forbid.

Water must be used by immersion, and the name of Jesus must be spoken for us to be buried with Christ and find remission of sins. The best and proper way to baptize is to say, I baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins. Then you immerse them. Can’t go wrong.

 

[Johann]

I don't understand why you resist baptismal regeneration, then make a post supporting it.

Read carefully.


Baptismal regeneration is the belief that baptism is necessary for salvation, or, more precisely, that regeneration does not occur until a person is water baptized. Baptismal regeneration is a tenet of numerous Christian denominations, but is most strenuously promoted by churches in the Restoration Movement, specifically the Church of Christ and the International Church of Christ.

Advocates of baptismal regeneration point to Scripture verses such as Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27, and 1 Peter 3:21 for biblical support. And, granted, those verses seem to indicate that baptism is necessary for salvation. However, there are biblically and contextually sound interpretations of those verses that do not support baptismal regeneration. Please see the following articles:

Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Acts 22:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Galatians 3:27 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Advocates of baptismal regeneration typically have a four-part formula for how salvation is received. They believe that a person must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized in order to be saved. They believe this way because there are biblical passages that seem to indicate that each of these actions is necessary for salvation. For example, Romans 10:9–10 links salvation with confession. Acts 2:38 links salvation with repentance and baptism.

Repentance, understood biblically, is required for salvation. Repentance is a change of mind. Repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to acceptance of Christ. It is not a separate step from saving faith. Rather, it is an essential aspect of saving faith. One cannot receive Jesus Christ as Savior, by grace through faith, without a change of mind about who He is and what He did.

Confession, understood biblically, is a demonstration of faith. If a person has truly received Jesus Christ as Savior, proclaiming that faith to others will be a result. If a person is ashamed of Christ and/or ashamed of the message of the gospel, it is highly unlikely that the person has understood the gospel or experienced the salvation that Christ provides.

Baptism, understood biblically, is an identification with Christ. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). As with confession, if a person is unwilling to be baptized—unwilling to identify his/her life as being redeemed by Jesus Christ—that person has very likely not been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) through faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who contend for baptismal regeneration and/or this four-part formula for receiving salvation do not view these actions as meritorious works that earn salvation. Repenting, confessing, etc., do not make a person worthy of salvation. Rather, the official view is that faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are “works of obedience,” things a person must do before God grants salvation. While the standard Protestant understanding is that faith is the one thing God requires before salvation is granted, those of the baptismal regeneration persuasion believe that baptism—and, for some, repentance and confession—are additional things God requires before He grants salvation.

The problem with this viewpoint is that there are biblical passages that clearly and explicitly declare faith to be the only requirement for salvation. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” In Acts 16:30, the Philippian jailer asks the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” If there was ever an opportunity for Paul to present a four-part formula, this was it. Paul’s response was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). No baptism, no confession, just faith.

There are literally dozens of verses in the New Testament that attribute salvation to faith/belief with no other requirement mentioned in the context. If baptism, or anything else, is necessary for salvation, all of these verses are wrong, and the Bible contains errors and is therefore no longer worthy of our trust.

An exhaustive study of the New Testament on various requirements for salvation is not necessary. Receiving salvation is not a process or a multi-step formula. Salvation is a finished product, not a recipe. What must we do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we will be saved.

What is baptismal regeneration? | GotQuestions.org

What is baptismal regeneration? Is baptismal regeneration a biblical doctrine? Is baptism required for salvation?

www.gotquestions.org

 

[Truther]

Paul rebaptized 12 men because they had been baptized in John's baptism. That's what Acts 19:1-7 tells us. I was baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son (= Jesus Christ) and of the Holy Ghost, precisely as commanded in Matt. 28:19. If you tell me my baptism was ineffective and I need to be rebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ alone, we can have that debate all day long -- but you wont be able to cite Acts 19:1-7 in support of your position. John's baptism was ineffective because it was a baptism of repentance only. Neither your baptism nor mine was a baptism of repentance only.

Those that were baptized in John’s baptism had to be re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Those that are baptized in the Roman Catholic Church baptism have to also likewise be rebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

[RedFan]

Those that were baptized in John’s baptism had to be re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Those that are baptized in the Roman Catholic Church baptism have to also likewise be rebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Agree with the first sentence, disagree with the second. RCC baptism is in the name of the Father and of the Son (= Jesus Christ) and of the Holy Spirit, so they have already been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

[Johann]

I am not a Luther or Calvin follower--that's YOUR Burger King theology.

Does Water Baptism Regenerate?
The question of whether water baptism regenerates (i.e., causes spiritual rebirth) has been a subject of theological debate throughout Christian history. Different Christian traditions hold varying views on the nature and efficacy of baptism in the process of regeneration.

Biblical Basis for Baptism and Regeneration
John 3:5:

"Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"

This verse is often cited in support of the belief that baptism (being born of water) and the work of the Holy Spirit are essential for entering the kingdom of God. Some interpret this as indicating that baptism is necessary for regeneration.

Acts 2:38:

"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Here, Peter links baptism with the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit, suggesting that baptism plays a role in the process of salvation and regeneration.

Titus 3:5:

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

This passage speaks of the "washing of regeneration," which many interpret as a reference to baptism, combined with the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:3-4:

"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Paul describes baptism as a participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, which implies a transformative, regenerative process.

Theological Perspectives
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Views:

Both traditions hold that baptism is a sacrament that confers grace and effects regeneration. In baptism, original sin is washed away, and the individual is spiritually reborn as a member of the Body of Christ.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1215): "This sacrament is also called 'the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,' for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one 'can enter the kingdom of God.'"

Lutheran View:

Lutherans believe that baptism is a means of grace that imparts faith, forgiveness of sins, and regeneration. They hold that the Holy Spirit works through baptism to create and strengthen faith.
Augsburg Confession, Article IX: "Concerning Baptism, our churches teach that Baptism is necessary for salvation and that God’s grace is offered through Baptism."
Reformed View:

Reformed theology generally views baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, symbolizing regeneration and union with Christ, but not necessarily effecting regeneration itself. Regeneration is seen as the work of the Holy Spirit, which may precede, coincide with, or follow baptism.

Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 28: "Baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of our ingrafting into Christ, and of regeneration."

Baptist and Evangelical View:

Many Baptists and Evangelicals believe that baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. They do not believe that baptism itself regenerates; rather, regeneration occurs through faith in Christ, and baptism is a public declaration of that faith.
Baptist Faith and Message 2000: "Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus."

Conclusion
The question of whether water baptism regenerates is answered differently across Christian traditions. Some, like Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutherans, see baptism as an effective means of grace that brings about regeneration. Others, such as Reformed Christians and many Evangelicals, view baptism as a symbolic act that signifies regeneration, which is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through faith. The interpretation of key biblical passages and the theological framework of each tradition significantly influence their stance on the role of baptism in regeneration.

Sorry friend, I go by what stands written.
J.

A Concise Refutation of Baptismal Regeneration

Abraham was regenerated, circumcised in the heart, apart from physical circumcision, baptism, or any other statute, or ordinance.

www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com

 

[Truther]

Agree with the first sentence, disagree with the second. RCC baptism is in the name of the Father and of the Son (= Jesus Christ) and of the Holy Spirit, so they have already been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

To baptize in the name of the son, you have to say the name of Jesus. The Roman Catholic Church forbid it. They have to also allow a person to repent. They bypass repentance and baptize infants. Everything about it is wrong.

 

[RedFan]

To baptize in the name of the son, you have to say the name of Jesus.

Ah, magical incantations! Of course! Rumpelstiltskin lives!

You subscribe to the same type of barren formalism that Jesus chastised the Pharisees for. If Jesus Christ is "the Son" (as you concede to be true) and I am baptized in the name of "the Son," that is functionally equivalent to baptizing me in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

[Jude Thaddeus]

Read carefully.


Baptismal regeneration is the belief that baptism is necessary for salvation, or, more precisely, that regeneration does not occur until a person is water baptized. Baptismal regeneration is a tenet of numerous Christian denominations, but is most strenuously promoted by churches in the Restoration Movement, specifically the Church of Christ and the International Church of Christ.

Advocates of baptismal regeneration point to Scripture verses such as Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27, and 1 Peter 3:21 for biblical support. And, granted, those verses seem to indicate that baptism is necessary for salvation. However, there are biblically and contextually sound interpretations of those verses that do not support baptismal regeneration. Please see the following articles:

Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Acts 22:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Galatians 3:27 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Advocates of baptismal regeneration typically have a four-part formula for how salvation is received. They believe that a person must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized in order to be saved. They believe this way because there are biblical passages that seem to indicate that each of these actions is necessary for salvation. For example, Romans 10:9–10 links salvation with confession. Acts 2:38 links salvation with repentance and baptism.

Repentance, understood biblically, is required for salvation. Repentance is a change of mind. Repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to acceptance of Christ. It is not a separate step from saving faith. Rather, it is an essential aspect of saving faith. One cannot receive Jesus Christ as Savior, by grace through faith, without a change of mind about who He is and what He did.

Confession, understood biblically, is a demonstration of faith. If a person has truly received Jesus Christ as Savior, proclaiming that faith to others will be a result. If a person is ashamed of Christ and/or ashamed of the message of the gospel, it is highly unlikely that the person has understood the gospel or experienced the salvation that Christ provides.

Baptism, understood biblically, is an identification with Christ. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). As with confession, if a person is unwilling to be baptized—unwilling to identify his/her life as being redeemed by Jesus Christ—that person has very likely not been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) through faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who contend for baptismal regeneration and/or this four-part formula for receiving salvation do not view these actions as meritorious works that earn salvation. Repenting, confessing, etc., do not make a person worthy of salvation. Rather, the official view is that faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are “works of obedience,” things a person must do before God grants salvation. While the standard Protestant understanding is that faith is the one thing God requires before salvation is granted, those of the baptismal regeneration persuasion believe that baptism—and, for some, repentance and confession—are additional things God requires before He grants salvation.

The problem with this viewpoint is that there are biblical passages that clearly and explicitly declare faith to be the only requirement for salvation. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” In Acts 16:30, the Philippian jailer asks the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” If there was ever an opportunity for Paul to present a four-part formula, this was it. Paul’s response was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). No baptism, no confession, just faith.

There are literally dozens of verses in the New Testament that attribute salvation to faith/belief with no other requirement mentioned in the context. If baptism, or anything else, is necessary for salvation, all of these verses are wrong, and the Bible contains errors and is therefore no longer worthy of our trust.

An exhaustive study of the New Testament on various requirements for salvation is not necessary. Receiving salvation is not a process or a multi-step formula. Salvation is a finished product, not a recipe. What must we do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we will be saved.

What is baptismal regeneration? | GotQuestions.org

What is baptismal regeneration? Is baptismal regeneration a biblical doctrine? Is baptism required for salvation?

www.gotquestions.org

First, you are quoting from a Catholic book.
Second, "gotquestions.orc" is Calvinistic, that you say you don't agree with.
It seems to me you will grab hold of anything you find on line that puts (your faulty view) of Catholic teaching in a dark light.
You are just another slave to 16th century politics, IMO.

 

[Johann]

First, you are quoting from a Catholic book.
Second, "gotquestions.orc" is Calvinistic, that you say you don't agree with.
It seems to me you will grab hold of anything you find on line that puts (your faulty view) of Catholic teaching in a dark light.
You are just another slave to 16th century politics, IMO.

Show me in Scripture that points to baptismal regeneration-and your "signature" is spot on.

 

[RedFan]

Show me in Scripture that points to baptismal regeneration.

Could we start with the verses I wrestle with in Post #861? I'd like to sit back and watch the two of you debate them.

 

[Johann]

Could we start with the verses I wrestle with in Post #861? I'd like to sit back and watch the two of you debate them.

Just Scripture and no early fathers or Catholic writings/teachings.

 

[Augustin56]

Read carefully.


Baptismal regeneration is the belief that baptism is necessary for salvation, or, more precisely, that regeneration does not occur until a person is water baptized. Baptismal regeneration is a tenet of numerous Christian denominations, but is most strenuously promoted by churches in the Restoration Movement, specifically the Church of Christ and the International Church of Christ.

Advocates of baptismal regeneration point to Scripture verses such as Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27, and 1 Peter 3:21 for biblical support. And, granted, those verses seem to indicate that baptism is necessary for salvation. However, there are biblically and contextually sound interpretations of those verses that do not support baptismal regeneration. Please see the following articles:

Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Acts 22:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does Galatians 3:27 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Advocates of baptismal regeneration typically have a four-part formula for how salvation is received. They believe that a person must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized in order to be saved. They believe this way because there are biblical passages that seem to indicate that each of these actions is necessary for salvation. For example, Romans 10:9–10 links salvation with confession. Acts 2:38 links salvation with repentance and baptism.

Repentance, understood biblically, is required for salvation. Repentance is a change of mind. Repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to acceptance of Christ. It is not a separate step from saving faith. Rather, it is an essential aspect of saving faith. One cannot receive Jesus Christ as Savior, by grace through faith, without a change of mind about who He is and what He did.

Confession, understood biblically, is a demonstration of faith. If a person has truly received Jesus Christ as Savior, proclaiming that faith to others will be a result. If a person is ashamed of Christ and/or ashamed of the message of the gospel, it is highly unlikely that the person has understood the gospel or experienced the salvation that Christ provides.

Baptism, understood biblically, is an identification with Christ. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). As with confession, if a person is unwilling to be baptized—unwilling to identify his/her life as being redeemed by Jesus Christ—that person has very likely not been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) through faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who contend for baptismal regeneration and/or this four-part formula for receiving salvation do not view these actions as meritorious works that earn salvation. Repenting, confessing, etc., do not make a person worthy of salvation. Rather, the official view is that faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are “works of obedience,” things a person must do before God grants salvation. While the standard Protestant understanding is that faith is the one thing God requires before salvation is granted, those of the baptismal regeneration persuasion believe that baptism—and, for some, repentance and confession—are additional things God requires before He grants salvation.

The problem with this viewpoint is that there are biblical passages that clearly and explicitly declare faith to be the only requirement for salvation. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” In Acts 16:30, the Philippian jailer asks the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” If there was ever an opportunity for Paul to present a four-part formula, this was it. Paul’s response was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). No baptism, no confession, just faith.

There are literally dozens of verses in the New Testament that attribute salvation to faith/belief with no other requirement mentioned in the context. If baptism, or anything else, is necessary for salvation, all of these verses are wrong, and the Bible contains errors and is therefore no longer worthy of our trust.

An exhaustive study of the New Testament on various requirements for salvation is not necessary. Receiving salvation is not a process or a multi-step formula. Salvation is a finished product, not a recipe. What must we do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we will be saved.

What is baptismal regeneration? | GotQuestions.org

What is baptismal regeneration? Is baptismal regeneration a biblical doctrine? Is baptism required for salvation?

www.gotquestions.org

Seems like you are just following someone else's personal interpretation of Scripture, upon which all Protestantism is based upon, and that Scripture condemnts in 2 Peter 1:20-21.

That aside, "belief" is not mere intellectual assent. That has been condemned. Even Satan believes in Christ from the stand point of intellectual assent that He exists. Belief in this sense permeates one's being and actions. It dictates how we live our lives.

 

[RedFan]

Just Scripture and no early fathers or Catholic writings/teachings.

You can bracket the debate as you see fit, but personally I see no need to limit the discussion that way. I am interested in your opinions on these Scripture verses. Why would I not be interested in early church father opinions on the same topic?