A History of Christian Doctrine #3 - Online Christian Library

Appendix D
salvation and then in judging an individual’s fulfillment of that
plan, from the human perspective water baptism is not an
option but a divine command to obey and a necessary act of
faith. The following statements summarize their true views: 347
Water baptism is not a magical act; it is without spiritual
value unless accompanied by conscious faith and
repentance. Baptism is important only because God has
ordained it to be so. God could have chosen to remit sin
without baptism, but in the New Testament church He has
chosen to do so at the moment of baptism. Our actions at
baptism do not provide salvation or earn it from God; God
alone remits sins based on Christ’s atoning death. When we
submit to water baptism according to God’s plan, God honors
our obedient faith and remits our sin.
The Bible describes water and Spirit baptism as two
distinct events. . . . The New Testament particularly associates
the Holy Spirit with God’s work of regeneration and
His dwelling in man. . . .
God could have chosen to remit sins without water
baptism, but we exceed our authority if we assert that He
will or list circumstances under which He will. . . . We
should obey the full gospel to the utmost of our understanding
and capacity, encourage everyone else to do the
same, and leave eternal judgment to God.
For a detailed discussion of the various doctrinal and historical
points that the booklet raises, see the following books by
David K. Bernard, published by Word Aflame Press: The
Oneness of God, The Oneness View of Jesus Christ, The New
Birth, and Oneness and Trinity: A.D. 100-300.
Narrow Presentation of “Historic Orthodoxy”
The booklet’s presentation of the “historic, orthodox
understanding” of Christ, the trinity, and salvation is surprising
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