Affirms
Salvation is grace through faith alone, not by sacraments.
Plymouth Brethren teach that salvation is received through grace alone by faith in Christ's redemptive work, independent of sacramental means or works. This reflects Protestant soteriology emphasizing personal faith commitment. J.N. Darby and other foundational leaders stressed that external rituals cannot save; only faith in Christ's sacrifice accomplishes redemption. The Brethren rejected sacramental theology as teaching false assurance through religious acts rather than genuine trust.
Key Distinctions
- Justification means:
- faith alone (sola fide); Reformed soteriology; grace through trust in Christ
- Election type:
- Calvinist; unconditional election; perseverance of the saints
- Baptismal regeneration:
- believer's baptism by immersion symbolic; not regenerating
- Eternal security:
- perseverance of the saints — the elect cannot fall away
Scripture References
Sources
- J.N. Darby, Doctrine of Justification
- C.H. Mackintosh, Notes on the Pentateuch