Word, Water, and Spirit by J. V. Fesko | A Reformed Perspective on Baptism | Covenant Theology, New Creation & Means of Grace | Reformation Heritage Paperback

I've been trying to understand the Reformed view of baptism, and I believe this book did well in explaining that position. I may have to read it again, but I got the general concepts down. A lot of things to think about. I think they defended their position well from scripture, systemic theology, and church history. I am no expert but this book did give me a better understanding of the development of the doctrine of baptism. It is not a light read, but worth the time and effort.The only issue I had is that with the Kindle version, the page numbers were off, so if I wanted to know which page something was on, I would have trouble. I just tracked things on my own.

Fesko's work has been extremely helpful. He first gives an extensive overview of baptism giving not just raw facts, but also motivations. For instance, Tertullian rejected infant baptism, but only because he thought infants were morally innocent. That's important because if you're a credobaptist, you would not want to cite Tertullian as an early proponent of credobaptism :)As he goes through the history of baptism, he hints at the remainder of the book, which addresses the theme of baptism as new creation through word, water, and Spirit in a convenental context. An important point he makes is that baptism isn't something that sprung up in the New Testament, but has particular references all the way back to Genesis. This gives you a view of baptism that incorporates not just the texts that specifically talk about baptism, but a view that incorporates the larger themes of all of Scripture. Baptism fits into the big story, and Fesko does a great job of pointing this out.

I was looking for a book that was more theological on the subject of baptism, and I found it in this one. I have read several others on the subject and felt wanting, not after this one. Dr. Fesko did a great job of presenting the history, meaning, and application of one of our most important doctrines. Also since the subject of baptism has been so controversial, he presents the non-reformed side well but remember he is a reformed theologian. And as one who is reformed in my faith, I believe he did a good job of settling the disputes.

All in all this is definitely a solid and helpful work on baptism from a reformed perspective. Part 3 is the strongest section, but parts 1 and 2 have much to commend them as well. The downside is that the book is too long for the average reader, so I'd recommend scanning part one, selectively reading part 2, and spending most of your time in part 3 - if the book's size worries you. All in all it's still probably the best thing written lately on baptism.

This is the fullest treatment of Baptism that I have ever read--and I have read several. The research is extensive and the conclusions are thoroughly Biblical. I understand much more of the theology of baptism now: how baptism is woven throughout the Scriptures, and therefore how vital it is in the life of the church. I saw how baptism is not an individual transaction, but involves the whole church body. This book stretched me mentally and theologically resulting in great benefit. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

This book is an excellent in depth study of baptism from a Reformed Presbyterian point of view. It is an excellent book that answers many questions and is well worth the read.

Great book.

Thorough case from historical theology, biblical theology and systematic theology.