Saturday, July 10, 2021

Parley P. Pratt Defending Baptismal Regeneration (June 1840)

 

QUESTION.—What is the Gospel?

ANSWER.—There is one only and true system of doctrine that can properly be called the Gospel; and that one system is so definite in every point, and so exactly adapted to the situation of sinners; that every person may immediately embrace it wherever it is preached, and by so doing they become saints, or, Christians.

The first principle of action required in the Gospel is belief in the name of Jesus Christ, the once crucified and now risen redeemer.

The second is repentance; which signifies nothing more nor less than the putting away of sins, with humility and meekness before God—feeling sorry for our sins, and a determination to forsake them.

The third is baptism, by immersion in water, in the name of the Lord, FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.

The fourth is the laying on of hands, in the name of Jesus, for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. All who do these things is a proper manner, and under proper authority, are saints; and if they endure to the end they will be saved in the kingdom of God.

. . . .

Q.—Did not the Apostle say to the people of old, that, if they would confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and would believe in their hearts that God had raised him from the dead, they should be saved?

A.—Yes. But he was writing to the church of God, whose members had already obeyed the Gospel, and had been planted together in the likeness of his death; being buried with him by baptism, and having risen again to newness of life, he was encouraging them to continue in the belief and confession of his name.

Q.—But did not the Apostle thank God that he had not baptized many of the Corinthians?

A.—Yes. But the reason was, lest they should say he had baptized in his own name.

Q.—But did he not say, that he was not sent to baptize, but to preach the Gospel?

A.—Yes. But others were sent to water those whom he planted. He as a wise master builder, laid the foundation by preaching the word, and others attended to the other part of the work, and thus builded thereon.

Q.—Did not Cornelius and his friends receive the Holy Ghost before they were baptized?

A.—Yes. But it was to convince the Jews that they (the Gentiles) had part in the Gospel as well as the Israelites.

Q.—Would Cornelius and his friends have been saved, after all they had received, if they had refused baptism?

A.—No, for Peter was sent to tell them words whereby they should be saved, and part of these words were, that they should be baptized; and, if they had refused to comply with this message, they would have been worse than those who had never known the way of truth.

Q.—Was not the thief on the cross saved without baptism?

A.—If he was, it was because he had no opportunity to obey; and, therefore, was nt saved through a Gospel ministration, but was included in the same mercy as the heathens, in the same mercy as the heathens, who have never had the offer of the Gospel, and therefore, are under no condemnation for not obeying it.

Q.—Would the thief on the cross have been saved if he had lived to hear the Gospel, and had opportunity to obey it, and refused?

A.—No. The Gospel condemns all who do not obey it. It was a savour of life not life, or of death unto death, to all who are privileged to hear it. (Parley P. Pratt, “The Gospel: Illustrated in Questions and Answers,” The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 1, no. 2 [June, 1840]:25, 27; note: this was before the reception of the revelation concerning baptism for the dead)

 

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