In this book David Pawson teaches what the Bible says about Water Baptism.

This is a book that clearly and comprehensively covers the topics of both water baptism and Spirit baptism from a purely biblical perspective — rather than from a particular ecclesiastical, historical, or theological perspective. Rather than using isolated Scripture verses in an effort to shore up a position, this book quotes and explains all passages that have a bearing on these two topics, allowing a position to form that is based solely on God’s Word. Passages are considered within their broader literary context, and alternative interpretations are explored. This book is unique in offering the following: 1. It gives a clear and comprehensive presentation of both water baptism and the baptism in the Spirit. Other books deal with only one or the other topic, but rarely both — and in so doing, often confuse and confound these two kinds of baptisms. 2. It offers an explanation of every Scripture passage that refers to either water baptism or Spirit baptism. Other books use selected verses to support their position; this book however places the emphasis on the Scripture passages themselves. 3. It includes both the literary context of surrounding verses and the cultural / historical context in which the texts were written, so as to better understand the intended meaning of each passage as a whole — and to avoid forcing a bias into the text. 4. It also considers alternative viewpoints and interpretations of passages, so as to add to the comprehensive nature of this book. Appendix chapters and extensive endnotes are also included for readers who want to further explore a related matter or text. 5. It is organized and written on a level to be understood by lay people, yet includes scholarship that will stand up to critical analysis. Water baptism and the baptism in the Spirit are for all Christians. Whether you are a lay person, minister, or teacher, this book is for you! (For a clear and comprehensive understanding of another church ordinance, please see the author’s book entitled, Confession and Communion: As Taught in the Scriptures, available through Xlibris in print or as an e-book.)

Gain an understanding of baptism from four main traditional perspectives. Of all the sacraments, the practice of baptism is often the most disputed. Christians hold different views of its exact significance, who should receive baptism and how old they need to be, the practice of rebaptism, and baptism as a requirement for church membership. In Understanding Four Views on Baptism, four historic views on baptism are considered in depth: Baptist view: baptism of the professing regenerate by immersion (presented by Thomas J. Nettles) Reformed view: infant baptism of children of the covenant (presented by Richard Pratt Jr.) Lutheran view: infant baptism by sprinkling as a regenerative act (presented by Robert Kolb) Church of Christ view: believers' baptism on the occasion of regeneration by immersion (presented by John Castelein) Each view is presented by its proponent, then critiqued and defended in dialogue with the book's other contributors. Here is an ideal setting in which you can consider the strengths and weaknesses of each stance and arrive at your own informed conclusion. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR God pulled the author of this book out of the “miry clay” and set his feet on a rock. The man who wrote this book was chief among sinners and a man “well acquainted with grief”. The author of this book did not attend colleges and universities to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ and get the wisdom of God. Wallace Hall received the wisdom of God in a valley of despair and God gave the Holy Ghost to be a teacher and guide. God is using the author of this book to get His message heard. The revelations received from God are communicated in these poems, songs, and Lesson Studies. The author of this book has come to teach the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ in a refreshing of the church. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just an academic experience. It is also a call to service.