Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ; believer's baptism; repentance required
Armstrongism affirms Matthew 28:19 but historically emphasized baptism in the name of Jesus Christ rather than in the Trinitarian formula of traditional Christianity. Baptism is an ordinance administered to believers who have repented and made a commitment to obey God's laws. The baptism is often by immersion and represents entering into God's family.
For Armstrongists, baptism is inseparable from the call to obedience and the entrance into God's True Church. The baptism confers no automatic grace (as in sacramental theology) but rather marks the believer's commitment to follow God's ways. This is consistent with their emphasis on law-keeping as essential to salvation.
Key Distinctions
- Baptismal formula:
- marks commitment to obey God's laws; entrance into God's family
- Baptism mode:
- Baptism recipients:
Scripture References
Sources
- Herbert W. Armstrong, The Plain Truth magazine; Worldwide Church of God doctrinal statements