The third section of the doctrinal survey for Advent Christian pastors dealt with issues related to salvation. There was broad consensus on most topics in this category.
There was near unanimity on the first question: “Do you believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone?” The statement, which reflects the historic Protestant understanding, was affirmed by 106 respondents (99.1%). Only one person denied the statement.
There was full agreement on the second question, with 100 percent of respondents answering yes to “Do you believe that eternal life is a gift from God, not earned through good works?”
While the next question: “Which theory or theories of atonement do you personally affirm or teach in your ministry? (Select all that apply)” showed some diversity, there was still strong agreement around one response. This question differed from others in that respondents could choose multiple answers. The view held by most pastors was penal substitutionary atonement, which was selected by 84 respondents (78.5%). Christus Victor — the belief that Christ’s death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin, death and Satan, liberating humanity from their dominion — was affirmed by 48 respondents (44.9%). Nearly half (46.5%) of pastors hold to a combination of several theories, believing that multiple views contribute to a fuller understanding of the atonement. Only one person did not affirm any of the theories listed in the survey.
The question “Do you believe that regeneration (being born again) precedes or follows an individual’s faith in Christ?” examined views on one aspect of the ordo salutis — the logical ordering of God’s work in salvation. A majority, 63 pastors (60%), believe that “faith precedes regeneration.” Thirty-six (34.3%) hold that “regeneration precedes faith,” and six (5.7%) were unsure.
The question “Do you affirm the necessity of personal repentance and faith for salvation?” also had a nearly unanimous response, with 106 respondents (99.1%) affirming it. Only one person was unsure.
There was also a clear majority response to the question “Do you believe a person must be fully immersed at baptism?” Sixty-eight pastors (66%) believe that a person must be fully immersed. This aligns with the historical Advent Christian position on believer’s baptism (credobaptism). However, a substantial number — 27 respondents (26.2%) — allow for other valid modes of baptism. Eight respondents (7.8%) were unsure.
An overwhelming majority — 100 pastors (93.5%) — rejected the belief in baptismal regeneration when answering the question “Do you believe regeneration happens at baptism?” Five respondents (4.7%) affirmed baptismal regeneration, and two (1.9%) were unsure.
In summary, there is significant agreement among Advent Christian pastors on theological issues related to salvation, even though there is some diversity regarding theories of atonement and the necessity of baptism by immersion.
