Understanding Four Views on Baptism

by John H. Armstrong, General Editor; Paul E. Engle, Series Editor

• ISBN13: 9780310262671
• ISBN10: 0310262674
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-02-01
• Publisher: Harpercollins Christian Pub

Summary

What is the significance of water baptism? Who should be baptized? Is infant baptism scriptural? Which is the proper baptismal mode: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? Should people be rebaptized if they join a church that teaches a different form of baptism? Should baptism be required for church membership? These and other questions are explored in this thought-provoking book.Four historic views on baptism are considered in depth:Ò Baptism of the professing regenerate by immersion (Baptist)Ò BelieversÆ baptism on the occasion of regeneration by immersion (Christian Churches/Churches of Christ)Ò Infant baptism by sprinkling as a regenerative act (Lutheran)Ò Infant baptism of children of the covenant (Reformed)Each view is presented by its proponent, then critiqued and defended in dialogue with the bookÆs other contributors. Here is an ideal setting in which you can consider the strengths and weaknesses of each stance and arrive at your own informed conclusion.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations	p. 7
Introduction: Division, Differences, and a Dream	p. 11
Baptist View: Baptism as a Symbol of Christ's Saving Work	p. 25
A Reformed Response	p. 42
A Lutheran Response	p. 47
A Christian Churches/Churches of Christ Response	p. 51
Reformed View: Baptism as a Sacrament of the Covenant	p. 59
A Baptist Response	p. 73
A Lutheran Response	p. 78
A Christian Churches/Churches of Christ Response	p. 83
Lutheran View: God's Baptismal Act as Regenerative	p. 91
A Baptist Response	p. 110
A Reformed Response	p. 115
A Christian Churches/Churches of Christ Response	p. 122
Christian Churches/Churches of Christ View: Believers' Baptism as the Biblical Occasion of Salvation	p. 129
A Baptist Response	p. 145
A Reformed Response	p. 149
A Lutheran Response	p. 154
Conclusion: Finding Common Ground Amid Disagreement and Agreement	p. 161
All Instances of the Words for Baptism in the New Testament	p. 166
Statements on Baptism in Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms	p. 175
Quotations on Baptism	p. 189
Resources for Further Study	p. 199
About the Contributors	p. 203
Discussion and Reflection Questions	p. 206
Scripture Index	p. 210
Subject Index	p. 214
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