Baptism: A Biblical Study

by Jack Cottrell

Publisher:

College Press

, 1989

Overview

The topic of baptism does not have to divide us—it can be one of the Bible doctrines that submerges 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:

• How would the original readers of Acts, Romans, or Colossians have understood the texts concerning baptism when they read them for the very first time?
• How do readers of today understand the baptismal references of the New Testament if they have no particular commitment to a certain theological point of view?

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. The texts covered:

• Matthew 28:18–20
• Mark 16:15–16
• John 3:3–5
• Acts 2:38–39
• Acts 22:16
• Romans 6:3–4
• 1 Corinthians 12:13
• Galatians 3:26–27
• Ephesians 5:25–27
• Colossians 2:11–13
• Titus 3:5
• 1 Peter 3:21

Contents

Top Highlights

“The clear implication is that baptism is not meant to be placed in the category of Christian good works. It has a meaning distinct from any act of obedience expected of a Christian, and an importance far beyond that of any of these acts.” (Page 12)

“The discussion of Matthew 28:19–20 has suggested that baptism is not to be equated with ordinary acts of obedience but is rather to be regarded as a conversion experience that brings us into a union with God Himself.” (Page 17)

“We cannot avoid the conclusion that the evangelistic preaching of Jesus includes the imperative of baptism. In terms of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20, baptism is something taught before conversion with a view to becoming a disciple, while ‘teaching them to observe all that I commanded you’ follows conversion and deals with the details of the Christian life.” (Page 15)

“Baptism is not just obedience to another command, something typical of our Christian duty as a whole. Rather, it has a unique place in the commission and in the discipling process.” (Page 15)

“The key term in this commission is ‘make disciples’ in verse 19, translated ‘teach’ in the King James Version. This is the only imperative among the verbs in these two verses; the other three elements of the commission are participles. ‘Going’ is the prerequisite for making disciples; ‘baptizing’ and ‘teaching’ are the means of making disciples.” (Page 11)

Product Details

• Title: Baptism: A Biblical Study
• Author: Jack Cottrell
• Publisher: College Press
• Publication Date: 1990
• Pages: 171

About Jack Cottrell

Dr. Jack W. Cottrell has been a professor of theology at Cincinnati Christian University since 1967. Dr. Cottrell has earned a BA, ThB from Cincinnati Christian University; a BA from the University of Cincinnati; an MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary; and a PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary.

He’s been married to his beautiful wife, Barbara, for over 50 years, and he ministers at the Bright Christian Church in Bright, Indiana. Dr. Cottrell has been teaching theology at the Cincinnati Christian University for over 40 years, and he’s been writing for over 30 years. He and Barbara have three children and four grandchildren.

Those who know Dr. Cottrell know he’s a huge fan of University of Kentucky basketball and bluegrass music. He likes to read mystery novels and watch Wheel of Fortune and Texas Hold’em tournaments.