Introduction

Paul, a highly educated, first-century Jewish rabbi teaches, “There is one baptism.” What does he mean by these words? Why was John the Baptist, a Jewish prophet of the inter-Testament period, baptizing people before Jesus had even a single follower-before the word “Christian” came into existence? Who is Elijah and will he return? “Is baptism only a Christian water ritual? Why be baptized? Who should be baptized? Should Christians be rebaptized? Are baptism and salvation connected? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in baptism?

Exploring the Meaning of Baptism

These and other questions invite readers to explore the meaning, significance and power of baptism for their own lives. This book presents Jesus’ view of baptism through the lens of his own Jewish understanding, challenging traditional views of baptism on many fronts. It traces the development of baptismal theology through both Testaments to the present, examining the ways theology has muddled the meaning of baptism and the Trinity. One Baptism: The Power of Water and the Spirit, refreshes the soul, ignites the spirit, and offers the church a powerful path to unity through a biblical renewal of the meaning and practice of baptism.