The Baptized BodyWhat does baptism do to the baptized? Nothing? Something? In this study, Peter Leithart examines this single question of baptismal efficacy. He challenges several common but false assumptions about God, man, the church, salvation, and more that confuse discussions about baptism. He aims to offer a careful and simple discussion of all the central biblical texts that speak to us about baptism, the nature of signs and rites, the character of the church as the body of Christ, and the possibility of apostasy. In the end, the author urges us to face up to the wonderful conclusion that Scripture attributes an astonishing power to the initiation rite of baptism. |
Common terms and phrases
Acts Adam answer apostasy argument baptized become beginning believe Bible body of Christ bring called chapter character child Christian comes Confession Corinthians course covenant creation culture dead death describe effective elect enter event existence experience external fact faith Father favor first flesh gift given God’s gospel grace hands heart historical human identity implies includes infant baptism initiation invisible Israel jesus King language live Lord means merely mind nature never nurture passages Paul Paul’s Peter practice promise question reason receive refer Reformed relation relationship religious respond rite Romans sacraments salvation saved says Scripture sense servant share signs sins social speaks Spirit story symbols talking teaches Testament theology things tion treat true trust turn understand visible church washing water baptism whole