"The fact that we, or others, have drawn a conclusion does not mean that we have so cornered truth that we do not need to study further. Any teaching that affects our salvation should be carefully examined in the light of Bible teaching.

This book is presented in an effort to study carefully what God's Word teaches concerning the highly contro- versial subject of baptism, not in order to grind an ax, pick a fight, or reflect on the character of those who differ. If it can challenge the reader to research in order to find God's truth, it will not have been in vain.

Unless otherwise stated, all quotations will be made from the New American Standard Bible translation for the purpose of uniformity. I have concluded that the only infallible document is the Bible in the original languages."

Contents

1.	Baptism: Conflicts in Approach	11
2.	Ritual and Understanding In the Old Testament	21
3.	Ritual and Understanding In the New Testament	33
4.	John Taught Baptism	45
5.	Jesus Was Baptized	51
6.	Jesus Led People to Baptism	61
7.	Jesus Taught Baptism	69
8.	Peter Taught Baptism	83
9.	Baptism for All Nations	97
10.	Paul Taught Baptism	111
11.	Baptism That Qualifies	125
12.	The Holy Spirit and Baptism	139
13.	Considerations and Conclusions	149