Hardback, 480 pages
Page size: 6 × 9 inches
Retail Price: $35.00
J.V. Fesko has once again produced an immensely helpful volume for the Church. Following on the heels of his books Justification and The Rule of Love, this newest title will prove to be an immense benefit to anyone wishing to understand the Reformed doctrine of baptism.
You might wonder if such a volume is necessary. After all, in the history of the church countless books have been published on the subject. To his commendation Fesko offers new insights to further strengthen the Reformed perspective. This is particularly evident in section two of the book which deals with the biblical-theological study of baptism. This section alone is worth buying this book.
While not intended to be polemical, Fesko is a force to be reckoned with. After this publication no student or scholar will be able to broach the topic without consulting his historical overview, exegetical prowess, and powerful arguments…YES IT’S THAT GOOD!
Here’s what various scholars have said:
“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.
“On a wide-ranging canvas and with bold strokes, J. V. Fesko gives us a study of baptism which joins a treasury of theological citations with strong theological insights. After a survey of the history of the doctrine, Fesko focuses on the Reformed tradition and its important figures and confessions. He indicates the biblical dimensions of the meanings of baptism and provides a positive and constructive statement of its theological truth. This is a valuable work for its mastery of primary sources as well as its clear articulation of the covenantal dimensions which give a Reformed theology of baptism such power and purpose for Christian believers.” – Donald McKim
“Following on the heels of his books Justification and The Rule of Love, this newest title will prove to be an immense benefit to anyone wishing to understand the Reformed doctrine of baptism.” That one I have to tell my Facebook friends about!