Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

III. Baptism: How Is Baptism Related to Salvation?

A. Those who see baptism as a sacrament see it as a means by which God’s grace becomes effective for salvation. In sacramental theology, baptism is important for regeneration.

1. Scriptural support for baptism as a sacrament or means of grace:

a. Acts 2.38

b. Acts 22.16

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c. Mark 16.15-16

d. 1 Pet. 3.20-22

“The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion” which is the core creed of churches in the Methodist and Episcopal tradition describes the sacramental doctrine of Baptism like this. “They that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church; the promises of the forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; Faith is confirmed, and Grace increased by virtue of prayer unto God.”

~John H. Leith, ed. Creeds of the Churches . Louisville: John Knox Press, 1983. pp. 275-76

2. It is important to understand that those who see baptism as a sacrament are not teaching baptismal regeneration.

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