Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism
As Taught in the Scriptures
by
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PREFACE
There are many books on baptism — as we would expect — but, you might wonder, why do we need one more? The answer is simple and two-fold. First, most of the books on this subject are not written from a purely biblical perspective, as is this book; instead, they are written from a denominational perspective or from a particular theological position. Second, very few of them cover the breadth of material included in this book, including an exegetical study of every passage that has a bearing on the subject of either water baptism or the baptism in the Spirit. In addition, most books on the topic of baptism deal with either water baptism or the baptism in the Spirit, but rarely both! This book comprehensively deals with both kinds of baptism and explains their relationship to one another from a thoroughly biblical perspective.
The undergirding premise of this book is that the Scriptures are inspired of God and the most authoritative source in determining what our beliefs and practices should be (cf. II Timothy 3:14–17; II Pet. 1:20–21). The phrase “inspiration of God” literally means “God-breathed,” as if God breathed His words into the hearts and minds of the human authors so that what each wrote in their own unique style was, at the same time, what God intended them to write. The objective of these chapters, therefore, is for us to clearly understand the proper interpretation of each passage so that we can apply it to our lives. Please keep in mind that, while there can be many applications of God’s Word to various individuals, there is only one interpretation of each passage that is correct — which is, naturally, the one the inspired writer intended to convey.
Though this book is based on much research and hermeneutical discipline, it is, nevertheless, written on a level that laypeople can understand, including non-Christians and others not familiar with the Holy Scriptures. While clergymen may certainly benefit from this book, it is not assumed that the reader has a background of knowledge in scriptural matters. Therefore, background information is provided, and concepts are thoroughly explained and supported from the Scriptures — with references cited and additional references to be compared. In addition, ten appendix chapters are included on related topics and extensive endnotes are offered in support of many concepts presented.
It is my prayer that the sections of this book will greatly help your understanding of the biblical teaching of Christian water baptism and Spirit baptism. To this end “I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).
For readers who would like further information or a deeper biblical exegesis of passages on this subject, an expanded edition of this book is available as an e-book — entitled Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism: Expanded Edition. That comprehensive edition includes additional chapters and expands on many of the chapters presented in this book.
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About the Book
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.)
About the Author
Dr. Kenneth P. Lenz has served for over twenty years in church ministries and as a chaplain. He has also served on the religion faculty and Bible/theology faculty of several colleges. Courses Ken has taught include “Understandings of Religion,” “History of Christian Thought,” and “New Testament Epistles,” among others. His earned Ph.D. included an emphasis in Eastern Orthodox Church history and liturgy, and he excels in the area of hermeneutics (biblical interpretation). Ken and his loving wife, Helen, have three grown children: Carrie, Evan, and Bryce.