The late Hal Hougey (author of a few anti-Mormon publications) was a member of the Disciples of Christ (“Campbellites”) and, while he was often in theological error, was correct on the topic of baptismal regeneration. In his 1997 book, The Quest for Understandable Hermeneutics, he wrote the following against common objections against this doctrine:
Objections to Baptism
Considered
• “Baptism Is a Work;
and e Are Not Saved by Works.” Immersion for the remissions of sins
troubles our religious neighbors, since it seems to contradict the principle of
“justification by grace through faith, not by works” (Eph 2:8-9). We may
respond by pointing out that baptism is not a work we perform; it is something
we surrender or submit to. Whatever work is involved is done by the one who
officiates at the baptism. We no more baptize ourselves than we would bury
ourselves. The New Testament always uses the passive voice in referring to
baptism. Our friends need to look more carefully at Galatians 3:26-27, where
baptism is seen by Paul (what better authority?) as integrally involved in
becoming sons of God through faith. We may further remind them that we must let
the scripture inform us before we build theological systems. Exegesis must
always precede theology.
• “I Cannot
Believe My Beloved Relative, Whose Spiritual Life Was Most Exemplary, Is Lost
Merely Because of an Honest Mistake.” This is an emotional argument, and
emotional arguments cannot be easily answered with logic or reason. We simply
explain that we are not the judges and we can neither promise nor judge. Christ
is the Judge, and he will judge in a way consistent with his love, mercy, and grace.
If the beloved relative did all she knew to do, God knows that. We do that
relative no honor by refusing to do all we know to do. (Hal Hougey, The
Quest for Understandable Hermeneutics [Concord, Calif.: Manna, 1997], 595)
Further Reading on the Salvific Efficacy of Water Baptism
I have written a full-length book addressing water baptism and related topics (e.g., two appendices refuting imputed righteousness):
"Born of Water and of the Spirit": The Biblical Evidence for Baptismal Regeneration
If one wants a free copy (PDF format), you can contact me at:
ScripturalMormonismATgmailDOTcom