Baptism: A Biblical Study

by Jack W. Cottrell

The water of baptism which God meant to unite us has become the water that divides us. The topic of baptism does not have to divide us – it can be one of the Bible doctrines that submerge us in a common relationship with our Lord Jesus. Scripture is far from silent on the subject of baptism, yet history is strewn with such a variety of perspectives that it becomes difficult to gain a clear view of what the Bible itself actually has to say. In thirteen chapters, Dr. Cottrell discusses the twelve major texts in the New Testament and does so by examining the meaning of the original words, the historical background, and the comparative references. A thorough and landmark study, this book should be in the library of every serious Bible student. The texts Jack Cottrell was Professor of Theology at Cincinnati Christian University. He received his BA, ThB, Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary; BA, University of Cincinnati; MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary; PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary.

Genres: Theology, Christian

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Uriah O'Terry]

This book makes me want to write a compelling book on Baptism.

[Taylor Vegge]

Great, pretty objective study on baptism in the New Testament. Goes through every passage that has to do with baptism and breaks down how it shows the significance of it. Learned a lot and it grew my faith even more!

[Kristi Mast]

I think he’s mostly right, but his arguments are dogmatic and sometimes ill-supported.

[Stan]

This book presents an alternative to both the Protestant view of baptism being a mere sign or symbol of salvation already completed, and to the Catholic view that baptism alone is what saves you. Cotrell does a fantastic job of concisely going through all the Scriptures in question, and of trying to be as objective as possible. Obviously he has come to his own beliefs on the matter, and they emerge throughout the book, but I would contest that it is a case made entirely from Scripture and not from traditions or preconceptions. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian who is serious about taking Scriptures to mean what they say.

[Shana]

An in-depth study with logical conclusions and exceptional Greek word exegesis, with references laid out in a compelling manner. Dr. Cottrell has become one of my favorite authors in regards to Biblical theology. There is a reason this guy has a Ph.D. from Princeton, but he explains the passages so well that even my dumb 'ole self can understand it.

[Andreas Stump]

A thorough look at all the verses pertaining to the meaning of Baptism! Jack returns to the Biblical understanding of Baptism that was held for the first 1500 years of Christendom. My understanding of Baptism has been deepened.

[Todd Carter]

Very good study on why baptism is important.

[Paul Griesbach]

Excellent study on baptism from a New Testament perspective.

[Wesley Frizzell]

Good Bible study of the topic.

[Melanie Irizarry]

very head heavy book but very good. Very insightful. Answered some questions I’ve never asked.

[Roy]

A great book on the important subject of water baptism. Dr. Cottrell goes through the Word of God to show us what the Bible says about this issue. He shows the relation to baptism and salvation, baptism and the gift of the Spirit, and baptism with assurance. I enjoyed this book. Dr. Cottrell works through the Word of God and he does not give us man-made traditions in place of God's Word.

[James]

An excellent resource and study guide about what the Bible really teaches on the subject of baptism and it's role in God's plan of salvation.