Judy wrote: > Regeneration by baptism is NOT a scriptural teaching. This statement seems rather arrogant to me. Surely you must understand that very good students of the Scriptures have held to regeneration by baptism. For example, Martin Luther believed it. Luther was a champion of saved by grace through faith alone, yet he believed in baptismal regeneration. Are you seriously going to say that Martin Luther's teaching on this matter was not from the Scriptures?
There are literally millions upon millions of Christians throughout the ages who have considered regeneration in baptism to be Scriptural. Besides Roman Catholics, the Lutherans teach it, the Anglican church teaches it, the Eastern Orthodox churches teach it, the Stone-Campbell restoration churches teach it, such as the churches of Christ, the Christian Church, and the Disciples of Christ. I can understand if you have a disagreement and interpret the Scriptures differently, but let's not get so arrogant that we claim that it is NOT a Scriptural teaching. The variances of understanding of baptism and its role in regeneration all stem from the Scriptures. All the viewpoints have their basis in Scripture, some emphasizing certain Scriptures over others, and some, such as your viewpoint, tend to out right deny that certain passages in the Bible should be read exactly as they are written (e.g., 1 Peter 3:20-21). Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.