Word, Water, and Spirit: A Reformed Perspective on Baptism

An insightful assessment of Christian baptism as a sign of safe passage through troubled waters.

Table of Contents:
Preface
Part I: The History of the Doctrine
Chapter 1: Baptism in the Patristic Age, Middle Ages, and Counter Reformation
Chapter 2: Baptism in Luther and Lutheranism
Chapter 3: Baptism in Zwingli and the Anabaptists
Chapter 4: Baptism in the Reformed Tradition
Chapter 5: Baptism in Early Orthodox Reformed Theology
Chapter 6: Baptism in High Orthodox Reformed Theology
Chapter 7: Baptism in Modern Theology
Summary of Part I
Part II: Biblical-Theological Survey of the Doctrine
Chapter 8: Baptism as New Creation
Chapter 9: Baptism as Covenant Judgment
Chapter 10: Baptism as Eschatological Judgment
Summary of Part II
Part III: Systematic-Theological Construction of the Doctrine
Chapter 11: Baptism as a Means of Grace
Chapter 12: Baptism as a Sacrament
Chapter 13: Baptism Proper
Chapter 14: Baptism and Its Recipients
Chapter 15: Baptism and Ecclesiology
Summary of Part III

"This book represents a substantial accomplishment, one that provides a useful resource for those wanting to deepen their understanding of the sacraments, particularly baptism. Reflecting a massive amount of research, against the background of an in-depth survey of various views of baptism in church history, Fesko provides an extensive exegetical and biblical-theological study of the covenantal and eschatological significance of baptism followed by systematic theological reflections on key issues like baptism as a means of grace, the efficacy of baptism, the biblical warrant for infant baptism (and against paedocommunion) and the importance of baptism for the church. One need not agree with his reflections at every point to benefit from his considerable labors." - Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary