Saturday, July 3, 2021

Hal Hougey's Answers to Common Objections to Baptismal Regeneration

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