Baptismal Regeneration?

[cilat]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

What is the difference between baptismal regeneration doctrine and our view of water baptism's role in salvation? Do we believe in baptismal regeneration?

No we do not believe Baptismal regeneration(Which makes water baptism the savior.) We believe the name in water baptism remits the sins. not water Baptism.Beside that fact; you must be born again of the water and of the spirit. Being born of the water in Jesus name is not being born of the spirit. one must have the new birth and that is only half of the equation. I run into this all the time now having to help people understand this. I carried an article around with me back the 80's or 90's I cannot remember when that David Bernard wrote in the Pentecostal Herald explaining perfectly we are not Baptismal regenerationist.

[Aquila]

Most don't realize that water baptism is an element of conversion. When God begins to draw the soul to Himself, the sinner feels convicted. Then they experience "conversion". Conversion has to do with coming to faith, repenting of sin, being water baptized, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

When one comes to faith and repents of sin, they take the first step in a new direction... water baptism. Faith and repentance bring "justification". That means the repentant sinner stands before God as though he or she never sinned. It is through justification that one can receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is what brings regeneration... the impartation of the divine nature through the abiding Spirit.