The Promise of Baptism: An Introduction to Baptism in Scripture and the Reformed TraditionChristians who otherwise love each other and work together on shared projects and causes nonetheless often disagree on the subject of baptism. Should infants be baptized, or is baptism for believers only? What exactly does baptism mean? What happens, if anything, when someone is baptized? Which is better -- sprinkling or immersion? These disagreements are disheartening to some and confusing to many. The sacrament of baptism from a Reformed perspective is clearly and thoughtfully outlined in this useful book. James Brownson explains the scriptural basis, the theological underpinnings, and the practical implications of this particular element of the faith. Organized into thirty brief, tightly focused chapters -- each of which centers on a key question -- and enhanced by thoughtful discussion questions, The Promise of Baptism will be an important resource for pastors, students, and laypersons seeking to better understand this sacrament that lies at the heart of the church's life. A sampling of key questions addressed:
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Contents
Basic Questions | 1 |
from an Ordinance? 22 225 | 22 |
The Core Meanings of Baptism | 45 |
What Is the Relationship of Baptism to Receiving | 60 |
What Is the Relationship between Baptism | 67 |
Which Is Better Sprinkling or Immersion? | 74 |
Baptism Faith and Salvation | 83 |
Can Someone Be Saved without Being Baptized? | 92 |
Can Infants Be Saved Despite Their Inability | 129 |
Does Baptism Take the Place of Circumcision as | 136 |
Disputes and Questions | 143 |
Does the Fact That Some Baptized Persons Abandon | 160 |
Was Infant Baptism Practiced in the Early Centuries | 167 |
Pastoral Decisions Surrounding Baptism | 173 |
Who Decides If Someone Should Be Baptized | 182 |
Can Grandparents Present Grandchildren for Baptism | 189 |
Does Baptism Actually Bring About Any Change in | 99 |
Does Baptism Assure Us of Our Salvation? | 105 |
The Case for Infant Baptism | 113 |
Does God Have a New Covenant Saving Purpose | 121 |
Some Parents Are Not Persuaded by the Biblical Case | 202 |
What Happens After Baptism? | 209 |
A Select Annotated Bibliography on Baptism | 215 |
Common terms and phrases
Acts assurance of salvation Babylonian Captivity baptized baptized children baptized infants believer baptists Bible biblical blessings body of Christ book of Acts central chapter Christian Christian identity church membership circumcision and baptism circumcision of Christ cleansing confess covenant purpose death and resurrection discipleship Discussion Ê divine dying with Christ emphasis experience explore express families focus follow Jesus Further Reflection Further Study gift given God's God’s covenant God’s grace God’s promise God’s salvation gospel heart Holy Spirit household human identity infant baptism infant dedication Jesus Christ John Kingdom lives Lord Lord’s Supper Luke Luther Mark Matt means Old Covenant Old Testament one’s ordinance paedobaptists parents Paul person physical descent practice question rebirth receive recognize Reflection and Discussion Reformation relationship rite Romans saved Scripture sense speaks Study Ê Sum Up Ê tion tism tized trust union with Christ word