“but on major tenents, there is unity”
There is unity in the historical, orthodox faith as taught by the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church that has been here since Jesus established it in 33ad.
now, everyone must believe “baptism” is a major tenent of Christianity. Jesus commanded the Church to teach and baptize in Matthew 28. Peter commanded baptism for the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38. Paul was commanded to be baptized and wash away his sins in Acts 22:16. major tenent.
The Church has taught baptismal regeneration since Peter preached on Pentecost. The Church Fathers all teach in baptism we are born again.
is there unity on this doctrine?
there are those today that consider themselves “christian” that reject the Nicene Creed “ we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins”
they teach doctrines not found in the NT like saying a “sinners prayer” or “asking Jesus into your heart”
what do these “christians” do with baptism then??
well, since Jesus commanded it, they say it is for a “first act of obedience” or they will say it’s “an outward display of something that has happened already”
none of which is taught anywhere in the NT, it’s all a 16th century tradition of men.
they actually believe no one understood baptism for 16 centuries!
so yes, when someone departs from the unity of the Faith, it is THEY WHO ARE AT FAULT.
The Church has taught baptismal regeneration since Peter preached on Pentecost. The Church Fathers all teach in baptism we are born again.
So, for the Catholic, baptism is the get out of jail free card. Once one is *born again* through baptism, then he can live as he pleases, lying, killing, stealing, raping, murdering, whatever, because he's been baptized and it's baptism which saves and gives people the Holy Spirit.
The Church has taught baptismal regeneration since Peter preached on Pentecost. The Church Fathers all teach in baptism we are born again.
Tell me then. Is the hit man for the mafia who kills for a living saved because he was baptized?