Baptismal regeneration

Baptismal regeneration, the literal meaning of which is "being generated again" (regeneration) "through baptism" (baptismal), is the doctrine within some Christian denominations that holds that salvation is dependent upon the act of baptism; in other words, baptismal regenerationists believe that one must be baptized in order to be saved. Critics of the concept frequently allege that the concept of baptismal regeneration tends to emphasize form (including the role of water) instead of meaning; supporters of the concept may identify meaning with form and cite biblical passages such as Luke 6:46. ["And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"] Adherents of this doctrine include the Catholic, are used by proponents to support this teaching.

Opponents often cite the account of ) but, since his death, one must be united with him through baptism (). [A view countervailing application of the thief-on-the-cross episode to the church age is that the thief, whether or not he had been baptized before being on the cross, was dying anyway under the Mosaical Law. Jesus Christ himself was still alive, and consequently there was no death or resurrection of Christ to emulate in baptism; further, the church was not established until Pentecost, over 7 weeks later, meaning that at the cross there was yet no church to be baptized into. See also Acts 19:1-7.] Naturally, this argument is rejected by Christians who believe that God has always saved people by the same means for the same reason.

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See also

Baptism

Means of Grace