Baptism: Its Purpose, Practice and Power

by Michael Green

Book Overview

Baptism: The confusion never seems to go away. Some Christians stress baptism as a gateway into the church. Others see it primarily as an individual's testimony to faith and repentance. Still others... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830812113
• ISBN13: 9780830812110
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Intervarsity Pr
• Length: 141 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Great, simple read on the history of baptism

This book takes a very good, simple look at not only the history of baptism before Christ, but also the practice of it after Christ. It's written from the three main viewpoints of how baptism is used in the various churches, and gives an honest look at the reasons why each view is right and wrong in their ideas of what baptism is. It's an easy read and very informative, and I liked it very much. I am not a person who likes to read non-fiction, but I found this easy to read and follow, and very enjoyable. I highly recommend it no matter what you might or might not believe about baptism.

Excellent overview of Christian baptism

Michael Green offers a cogent, simply explained overview of Christian baptism that includes perspectives from the Catholic, protestant and pentecostal views. This book provides what are the basic underpinnings of the act of water baptism and what pentecostals call the baptism of the Spirit. Green looks at the differing points of view and provides pros and cons for each of them while always supplying the Biblical and traditional applications. Most importantly, Green emphasizes the meaning of baptism--mainly that it is an act indicative of God's act of providing for forgiveness of sins and salvation for people. It recognizes the work of Jesus on the cross on behalf of people and not peoples' work on behalf of Jesus. His objective explanations of differing doctrines are helpful and instructive. He also includes his beliefs regarding baptism. He includes an in-depth discussion on infant baptism and the arguments for and against it. He discusses the idea of being baptized in the Holy Spirit in addition to water baptism and also at the idea of being re-baptized as an adult. As he offers opposing view points, the book is thoughtful and objective. It ultimately provides all of the basics regarding baptism. It is instructive for parents, pastors and any Christians wanting to learn more about baptism for personal reflection or teaching. If you are wanting to make a decision about infant baptism or re-baptism, this is an excellent resource. Craig Stephans, author of Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays