Believer's Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ (Nac Studies in Bible & Theology)

A compilation of articles written from the Baptist perspective (all but three teach at Baptist seminaries). It reads as an argument against infant baptism and, by association, methods other than immersion.

The second article, by Robert Stein, which on more than one occasion speaks against baptismal regeneration, could easily be co-opted by those who favor baptismal regeneration as proof that they are right, such is the strong link the author makes of baptism being an "integral part" of the salvation experience in his survey of the book of Acts. His hermeneutic seems to take Acts as prescriptive instead of descriptive, assuming that when different terms are used, Luke meant for us to understand that as all inclusive of all the other show more terms that were used in describing someone coming to faith.


The third article continues this too-close-for-my-taste flirting with baptismal regeneration. It is, first, too long, with needless repetition of point. Second, the author of the third article seems to always take baptism in the NT as literal, whereas I would favor a spiritual connotation at times, much the same was the Bible takes circumcision at times (circumcision of the heart, thus baptism of the Spirit).
The remainder of the book is more practical, and the articles are better written. At times, I still think, despite the wording, that their exegesis could easily be used by those who favor baptismal regeneration. In the last article, the author deals with practical issues: where, when, how old, baptism before communion? The problem is that this article is mainly based on opinion and not Scripture. Some of them, obviously, can't be decided on Scripture, as Scripture is silent, so I appreciate the reasoned opinions of the author on those issues.
All in all, I was disappointed with this book, but none-the-less, it does raise pertinent issues, and forces the reader to deal with the issues presented. show less

A compilation of articles written from the Baptist perspective (all but three teach at Baptist seminaries). It reads as an argument against infant baptism and, by association, methods other than immersion.

The second article, by Robert Stein, which on more than one occasion speaks against baptismal regeneration, could easily be co-opted by those who favor baptismal regeneration as proof that they are right, such is the strong link the author makes of baptism being an "integral part" of the salvation experience in his survey of the book of Acts. His hermeneutic seems to take Acts as prescriptive instead of descriptive, assuming that when different terms are used, Luke meant for us to understand that as all inclusive of all the other show more terms that were used in describing someone coming to faith.


The third article continues this too-close-for-my-taste flirting with baptismal regeneration. It is, first, too long, with needless repetition of point. Second, the author of the third article seems to always take baptism in the NT as literal, whereas I would favor a spiritual connotation at times, much the same was the Bible takes circumcision at times (circumcision of the heart, thus baptism of the Spirit).
The remainder of the book is more practical, and the articles are better written. At times, I still think, despite the wording, that their exegesis could easily be used by those who favor baptismal regeneration. In the last article, the author deals with practical issues: where, when, how old, baptism before communion? The problem is that this article is mainly based on opinion and not Scripture. Some of them, obviously, can't be decided on Scripture, as Scripture is silent, so I appreciate the reasoned opinions of the author on those issues.
All in all, I was disappointed with this book, but none-the-less, it does raise pertinent issues, and forces the reader to deal with the issues presented. show less

Is believer’s baptism the clear teaching of the New Testament Scriptures? What are the historical and theological challenges to believer’s baptism? What are the practical applications for believer’s baptism today? Volume two in the NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY STUDIES IN BIBLE & THEOLOGY (NACSBT) series for pastors, advanced Bible students, and other deeply committed laypersons addresses these compelling questions.

Indeed, Believer’s Baptism begins with the belief that believer’s baptism (as opposed to infant baptism or other faith proclaiming methods) is the clear teaching of the New Testament. Along the way, the argument is supported by written contributions from Andreas Kostenberger, Robert Stein, Thomas Schreiner, Stephen show more Wellum, Steve McKinion, Jonathan Rainbow, Shawn Wright, and Mark Dever.

Users will find this an excellent extension of the long-respected NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY.

About the Author
Thomas R. Schreiner is the James Buchanan Harrison New Testament professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also serves as preaching pastor at Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville and has written a number of nationally published books and articles. Schreiner and his wife have four children.

Shawn Wright is assistant professor of Church History at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and also serves as one of the pastors at Clifton Baptist Church. Wright and his wife have five sons. show less

The goal of their presentation is to show that baptism is only for those who have professed faith in Christ and that the practice of infant- or paedo- baptism compromises the gospel itself.
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