Baptismal Regeneration?

[Sam]

Originally Posted by TRFrance

Thank you Encryptus. At least YOU see the point I was making.
As you pointed out, I made it clear that I had no desire to debate the doctrine itself, but I've found that for some folks, that's not enough...

That's why I actually try to limit my comments on certain topics here.

What I have found is that there are some among us who seem to almost live for these topics to come up, so they can come out of the woodwork and lecture us on how wrong the "3-stepper" salvation doctrine is. Clearly some of these people here have have an agenda, and frankly, I cant really be bothered arguing with them any more. I've heard virtually all their arguments, and find them unconvincing and flawed. I'll let them suck some other unsuspecting person into their vortex of endless and circular debates. As for me, I'll just sit on the sidelines and watch.

When it comes to the essentials of Bible doctrine, I already know what I believe; I have nothing to prove to them, and am not going to be convinced by what they're trying to prove to me and the rest of us.

Blessings.

Bro. French,
I don't know if you are UPC or not, but when the UPC was originally formed allowance was made for both doctrinal stands that we now call "one-step" and "three-step" on these forums. The idea was that "one-steppers" and "three-steppers" would respect one another and fellowship one another. Over the years the "three-steppers" marginalized the "one-steppers" and tried to silence them or squeeze them out. This pretty well happened through the revision of fundamental doctrine statement in 1973 and then the affirmation statement in 1992. I'm sure there are many "closet" one-steppers in the UPC but they are afraid to let it be known for fear that they will be considered heretics. This is not the original intent of the elders who established the UPC over 60 years ago.

Today in 2008, as a "one-stepper" I need to remind myself that these old timers in 1945 meant for "one-steppers" and "three-steppers" to get along together and to respect one another. Some times in my posts I act as poorly as some of the "three-steppers" have over the years. That attitude isn't right. Nor is it right to respond in the same manner that I as a one-stepper have been treated.