Baptism: The Believer's First Obedience

By Larry Dyer

Book Overview

Answers to the most important questions about Christian baptism

Baptism is a step of obedience for every believer, but behind this simple act lies a rich tapestry of Christian belief and teaching. In the second edition of this short volume, Larry Dyer responds to the most common questions Christians have about baptism in nontechnical language, making it ideal for personal or small-group study. He explains what baptism is, what it means, why it is necessary, and what the mode of baptism should be. He also addresses whether infant baptism should be practiced, and whether baptism contributes to a believer's salvation. He ends the book with practical advice for how to prepare for and enjoy one's experience of baptism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825426642
• ISBN13: 9780825426643
• Release Date: July 2020
• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Concerning the above comment on unbaptized Christians...

To the review that said the Bible makes no mention of believer's who are NOT baptized, if I may enlighten you as I was previously enlightened. There is a case in the Bible where a believer is NOT baptized but is still saved. Where, you might ask? Read the crucifixion story again and you will find that there is a man on the cross next to Jesus who is saved -- Jesus said, "you shall be with me in paradise today". Now then, how was it possible for him to be baptized as a believer if he was on a cross, dying in his last hour? Either Jesus was pulling his leg when he told him they'd be in paradise together or this is an example of someone who was a true believer but did not participate in the ordinance of baptism. I tend to side with the latter.

Clear and Concise

Dr. Dyer has written a very helpful book on baptism. The book is extremely clear and informative. It addresses the practical issues concerning baptism today answering the questions of "what, why, and how." This book is very easy to read and is grounded in the Word of God. I highly recommend this book.

A Helpful, Scriptural Book on Believer's Baptism

Books on infant baptism are common. Ones on the baptism of believers by immersion are harder to find. Dyer's book falls into the latter category. Those who have serious questions about what the Bible has to say about baptism will value Dyer's helpful book. Without becoming excessively technical, Dyer, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, answers common questions about baptism in sufficient depth to satisfy most readers. He tackles different uses of the word "baptism" in the Bible, answers common objections to baptism, and has helpful and practical hints to offer those participating in a baptism. Readers will appreciate his willingness to discuss opposing views and to analyze some of the harder verses in the Bible that are related to the subject.

Baptism Important But Not Necessary?

Dr. Dyer's book on baptism is a good book, if you hold that baptism is a mere ceremony in the life of the believer. I found the book to be simple to read and Dr. Dyer deals with the mode, subjects, and purpose of baptism quite well.My only problems with this book was Dr. Dyer's insistence that while baptism should be the believers first act of obedience to Christ, he never tells us why. He defends believers' baptism but then attacks baptismal regeneration by insisting that a believer need not be baptized to be saved yet if they truly are saved, writes Dyer, then they will be baptized. This is confusing to me since the NT knows nothing of an unbaptized Christian, which Dyer would agree with, but then he claims you can still be a Christian without baptism.I do recommend this book but I do also recommend that you read this with your Bible open and ready to test all things by the inspired Scriptures (1 Thess. 5:21).

Excellent source

Dr. Dyer has done the church a service by publishing this fine little volume on baptism. He explains, in simple language, what baptism means and why the believer should be baptized. Along the way, he explains the mode of baptism and some helpful hints for both the one being baptized and the baptizer. This is an excellent book to hand to candidates for baptism to explain clearly this important doctrine.For the more technical minded, the author deals with a number of issues that have divided the church: 1. He defends the immersion mode of baptism.2. He rejects infant baptism, promoting only believer's baptism3. He explains the true meaning of the major passages used to support baptismal regeneration. My only disagreement with Dyer would be in his understanding of modern day Lutheran theology being in opposition with Martin Luther's view (p.33). Unfortunately, Luther, who did teach that salvation was on the basis of grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, never broke from infant baptism as a component of salvation. The contradiction lies with Luther himself, who believed so strongly in sola fide while still subscribing to baptismal regeneration (see Luther's Shorter Catechism), not with Luther and Lutheran theology. Baptism, the Believer's First Obedience is an excellent tool that I will use on a regular basis with those interested in baptism.