Baptismal regeneration

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Baptismal regeneration holds that salvation is dependent upon the act of baptism; in other words, baptismal regenerationists believe that one must be baptized in order to be saved.

Supporters of this doctrine include the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches, as well as the Restoration movement, which includes the Church of Christ. It is also taught by Mormons. Lutherans are thought to purport this doctrine, but article 251 of Luther's Small Catechism refutes this.

Baptismal regeneration is held to be heretical by Reformed churches.

[edit] Arguments for and against

Scriptures such as Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:21 are used by proponents to support this teaching.

Opponents often cite the account of Luke 23:43 where Jesus, when on the cross, said to one of the thieves crucified with him, "Today, you shall be with me in paradise," although there is no record that he had been baptized. Proponents reply that before Jesus' death on the cross, he did at times forgive sins for differing reasons and with differing actions on the part of the one forgiven (cf. Mark 2:2-5, Luke 7:36-48) but since his death, one must be united with him through baptism (Romans 6:3-7).