Baptismal regeneration
Encyclopedia
Baptismal regeneration, the literal meaning of which is "being born again" (regeneration, or rebirth) "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 it is essential for one to 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.
Adherents of this doctrine include Roman Catholic, Orthodox
and Anglican Churches
(especially its Old High-Church and Anglo-Catholic factions). It is also taught by Mormon
s. Lutherans are thought to purport this doctrine, but article 251 of Luther's Small Catechism recognizes this is not a necessity, only an ordinary ministerial means that if despised in unbelief, condemns on account of its rejection in unbelief. Gregory A, Boyd says that Oneness Pentecostals teach what he calls baptismal regeneration. The publication Vantage Point attributes what it calls baptismal regeneration to "Roman Catholicism, Seveth-day Adventism, Mormonism, United Pentecostalism (and other Oneness churches), most Churches of Christ and Eastern Orthodoxy". David J. Stewart says the same about the Churches of Christ, calling baptismal regeneration a heresy. In a written debate with E. Calvin Beisner of the Evangelical Free Church of America, Jim R. Everett defended what he saw as the teaching of the Church of Christ on baptismal regeneration in a series of articles that appeared in The Preceptor beginning in May 1983. Douglas A. Foster denies this contention regarding the Restoration Movement
, a contention denied also by other representatives of the movement.
The doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church
on this matter is that, while, in Jesus himself affirms that baptism is necessary for salvation, and no one should refuse to be baptized, the effects of sacramental baptism are brought about also by "Baptism of blood" (dying for the sake of the faith) and "Baptism of desire", whether explicit, as in the case of catechumens, or implicit, as in the case of anyone who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it, while, as regards children who die without baptism, the Church entrusts them to the mercy of God. In Roman Catholic teaching, baptism, like all the sacraments, presupposes faith and by words and objects also nourishes, strengthens, and expresses it. "Baptism is the sacrament of faith (cf. Mark 16:16). But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop."
Baptismal regeneration is held to be heretical
by Reformed churches
. Leonard Feeney
's propounding the view that water baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation brought him into conflict with the Roman Catholic Church
.
Opponents often cite the account of where Jesus
, when on the cross
, said to one of the thieves crucified with him, "Today, you shall be with me in paradise", although there is no record that he had been baptized. As far back as the third century, Saint Cyprian
of Carthage gave the explanation that the "good thief" was baptized in his own blood as a martyr, an opinion shared by Saint Jerome
, while Saint Augustine of Hippo
said that "the thief received the baptism of substitution ... through the faith and conversion of the heart, taking into account that circumstances made it impossible for him to celebrate the sacrament".
Augustine's explanation corresponds to the Roman Catholic Church teaching of the existence of baptism by desire for those who would partake of the Sacrament if they could and experience a perfect desire to do all that pertains to salvation, but are prevented from receiving baptism by circumstances beyond their control, while Cyprian's corresponds to the same Church's teaching on baptism of blood for martyrs.
The Protestant position further asserts that (1) all things necessary for salvation and concerning faith and life are taught in the Bible clearly enough for the ordinary believer to find it there and understand; and (2) Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura
) is their authority. See also Sola fide
.
Evangelical, Fundamentalist, and Pentecostal Christians emphasize the need for a conversion experience that involves a personal encounter of the individual with the power of God. Generally, these denominations teach that those without such a conversion experience are not "saved" and therefore are not true Christians. These groups frequently refer to personal salvation as being "born again." This term comes from Jesus' conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council . Jesus told him, "no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again."
Baptism
In Christianity, baptism is for the majority the rite of admission , almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition...
" (baptismal), is the doctrine within some Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
denominations
Christian denomination
A Christian denomination is an identifiable religious body under a common name, structure, and doctrine within Christianity. In the Orthodox tradition, Churches are divided often along ethnic and linguistic lines, into separate churches and traditions. Technically, divisions between one group and...
that holds that salvation is dependent upon the act of baptism
Baptism
In Christianity, baptism is for the majority the rite of admission , almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition...
; in other words, baptismal regenerationists believe that it is essential for one to 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.
Adherents of this doctrine include Roman Catholic, Orthodox
Orthodox Christianity
The term Orthodox Christianity may refer to:* the Eastern Orthodox Church and its various geographical subdivisions...
and Anglican Churches
Christian Church
The Christian Church is the assembly or association of followers of Jesus Christ. The Greek term ἐκκλησία that in its appearances in the New Testament is usually translated as "church" basically means "assembly"...
(especially its Old High-Church and Anglo-Catholic factions). It is also taught by Mormon
Mormon
The term Mormon most commonly denotes an adherent, practitioner, follower, or constituent of Mormonism, which is the largest branch of the Latter Day Saint movement in restorationist Christianity...
s. Lutherans are thought to purport this doctrine, but article 251 of Luther's Small Catechism recognizes this is not a necessity, only an ordinary ministerial means that if despised in unbelief, condemns on account of its rejection in unbelief. Gregory A, Boyd says that Oneness Pentecostals teach what he calls baptismal regeneration. The publication Vantage Point attributes what it calls baptismal regeneration to "Roman Catholicism, Seveth-day Adventism, Mormonism, United Pentecostalism (and other Oneness churches), most Churches of Christ and Eastern Orthodoxy". David J. Stewart says the same about the Churches of Christ, calling baptismal regeneration a heresy. In a written debate with E. Calvin Beisner of the Evangelical Free Church of America, Jim R. Everett defended what he saw as the teaching of the Church of Christ on baptismal regeneration in a series of articles that appeared in The Preceptor beginning in May 1983. Douglas A. Foster denies this contention regarding the Restoration Movement
Restoration Movement
The Restoration Movement is a Christian movement that began on the American frontier during the Second Great Awakening of the early 19th century...
, a contention denied also by other representatives of the movement.
The doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
on this matter is that, while, in Jesus himself affirms that baptism is necessary for salvation, and no one should refuse to be baptized, the effects of sacramental baptism are brought about also by "Baptism of blood" (dying for the sake of the faith) and "Baptism of desire", whether explicit, as in the case of catechumens, or implicit, as in the case of anyone who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it, while, as regards children who die without baptism, the Church entrusts them to the mercy of God. In Roman Catholic teaching, baptism, like all the sacraments, presupposes faith and by words and objects also nourishes, strengthens, and expresses it. "Baptism is the sacrament of faith (cf. Mark 16:16). But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop."
Baptismal regeneration is held to be heretical
Heresy
Heresy is a controversial or novel change to a system of beliefs, especially a religion, that conflicts with established dogma. It is distinct from apostasy, which is the formal denunciation of one's religion, principles or cause, and blasphemy, which is irreverence toward religion...
by Reformed churches
Reformed churches
The Reformed churches are a group of Protestant denominations characterized by Calvinist doctrines. They are descended from the Swiss Reformation inaugurated by Huldrych Zwingli but developed more coherently by Martin Bucer, Heinrich Bullinger and especially John Calvin...
. Leonard Feeney
Leonard Feeney
Father Leonard Feeney was a U.S. Jesuit priest who defended the strict interpretation of the Roman Catholic doctrine, extra Ecclesiam nulla salus , arguing that baptism of blood and baptism of desire are unavailing and that therefore no non-Catholics will be...
's propounding the view that water baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation brought him into conflict with the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
.
Criticisms
Scriptures such as and are used by proponents to support this teaching.Opponents often cite the account of where Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
, when on the cross
Cross
A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two lines or bars perpendicular to each other, dividing one or two of the lines in half. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally; if they run obliquely, the design is technically termed a saltire, although the arms of a saltire need not meet...
, said to one of the thieves crucified with him, "Today, you shall be with me in paradise", although there is no record that he had been baptized. As far back as the third century, Saint Cyprian
Cyprian
Cyprian was bishop of Carthage and an important Early Christian writer, many of whose Latin works are extant. He was born around the beginning of the 3rd century in North Africa, perhaps at Carthage, where he received a classical education...
of Carthage gave the explanation that the "good thief" was baptized in his own blood as a martyr, an opinion shared by Saint Jerome
Jerome
Saint Jerome was a Roman Christian priest, confessor, theologian and historian, and who became a Doctor of the Church. He was the son of Eusebius, of the city of Stridon, which was on the border of Dalmatia and Pannonia...
, while Saint Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo , also known as Augustine, St. Augustine, St. Austin, St. Augoustinos, Blessed Augustine, or St. Augustine the Blessed, was Bishop of Hippo Regius . He was a Latin-speaking philosopher and theologian who lived in the Roman Africa Province...
said that "the thief received the baptism of substitution ... through the faith and conversion of the heart, taking into account that circumstances made it impossible for him to celebrate the sacrament".
Augustine's explanation corresponds to the Roman Catholic Church teaching of the existence of baptism by desire for those who would partake of the Sacrament if they could and experience a perfect desire to do all that pertains to salvation, but are prevented from receiving baptism by circumstances beyond their control, while Cyprian's corresponds to the same Church's teaching on baptism of blood for martyrs.
The Protestant position further asserts that (1) all things necessary for salvation and concerning faith and life are taught in the Bible clearly enough for the ordinary believer to find it there and understand; and (2) Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura
Sola scriptura
Sola scriptura is the doctrine that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness. Consequently, sola scriptura demands that only those doctrines are to be admitted or confessed that are found directly within or indirectly by using valid logical deduction or valid...
) is their authority. See also Sola fide
Sola fide
Sola fide , also historically known as the doctrine of justification by faith alone, is a Christian theological doctrine that distinguishes most Protestant denominations from Catholicism, Eastern Christianity, and some in the Restoration Movement.The doctrine of sola fide or "by faith alone"...
.
Evangelical, Fundamentalist, and Pentecostal Christians emphasize the need for a conversion experience that involves a personal encounter of the individual with the power of God. Generally, these denominations teach that those without such a conversion experience are not "saved" and therefore are not true Christians. These groups frequently refer to personal salvation as being "born again." This term comes from Jesus' conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council . Jesus told him, "no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again."