New birth by faith; believer's baptism; progressive sanctification; can be lost
The Church of the Brethren affirm salvation as God's gracious gift received through faith in Christ. New birth (spiritual rebirth and transformation) is central to salvation. Through grace, individuals are forgiven, justified, and invited into new life with God.
Salvation is understood as a process rather than a moment only: initial conversion is followed by progressive sanctification and growth in holiness. Baptism upon faith is the public declaration and sign of inner grace already experienced. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are continually transformed, growing in love of God and neighbor.
The Church of the Brethren, with Arminian leanings, affirm that salvation can be lost. There is no doctrine of eternal security; persistent rejection of grace or willful sin can result in apostasy. However, God's grace is continuously available to the repentant. The emphasis is on God's initiative in grace and the human response of faith and obedience.
Key Distinctions
- Justification means:
- faith and new birth; progressive sanctification
- Election type:
- conditional — foreseen faith (Arminian); grace available to all
- Baptismal regeneration:
- denied — baptism as public declaration of inward grace
- Eternal security:
- rejected — apostasy possible; grace continuously offered to repentant
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the Brethren Church Manual and doctrinal statements
- Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Doctrinal Statements
- Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Doctrinal Statements