Thursday, October 22, 2020

Affirmations of Baptismal Regeneration in John Nicholson, The Preceptor (1885)

The following affirmations of baptismal regeneration comes from:

 

John Nicholson, The Preceptor: Being a Simple System for Enabling Young Men to Acquire a Knowledge of the Doctrines of the Gospel and the Ability to Preach Them (2d ed.; Salt Lake City: Deseret News Company, Printers and Publishers, 1885)

 

In reference to Acts 2:36-39:

 

. . . the object of baptism is the remission of sins, and that repentance is a preparatory condition previous to its administration . . . (p. 15)

 

On Acts 9:17-20 (cf. 22:16) and the conversion of Paul:

 

Paul was undoubtedly filled with the Holy Ghost, as by the power of that Spirit he was healed of his blindness. Had he failed to comply with the ordinances of the Gospel subsequently, however, we have no reason to suppose that he would have been entitled to the Spirit as a gift. Many people have been temporarily filled with the Holy Ghost who have not yet embraced the Gospel, as it is the power or agency by which the sick are healed. But they must obey the law to insure its permanent fellowship. (pp. 19-20)

 

Against the errors of the Protestants:

 

. . . baptism . . . is positively essential to salvation, and is for the remission of sins. (p. 33)