Monday, November 12, 2018

Alma 19:35-36 and Baptismal Regeneration

The doctrine of baptismal regeneration is one of those doctrines that is so clear and explicit in the Bible that, even using a sola scriptura hermeneutic, it can easily be defended. For a discussion of some key texts and issues, see, for instance:



Such is also the case for the Book of Mormon, wherein the instrumental cause of one’s initial justification and one’s regeneration is that of water baptism. In Alma 19:35-36, water baptism is presented as the instrumental cause of one’s justification (being made [not merely “declared”] righteous) and the beginning of one’s salvation, something reminiscent of the theology of Acts 2:37-39:

And it came to pass that there were many that did not believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among them. And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name.