Baptism is a very important rite in the divine scheme of salvation. But it is imperative that one be able to distinguish between the “essential” and “nonessential” items associated with the command. Study this matter with us in this week’s Penpoints.

Does the church need more preaching on baptism? How does one determine balance in gospel preaching? Jason Jackson addresses this issue in this week’s Penpoints.

Although baptism is mentioned dozens of times in the New Testament, the rite has been so grossly misunderstood in a great variety of ways.

What is the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4:5?

Some religious leaders deny that water baptism is an essential component in God’s plan for human redemption. Frequently, 1 Corinthians 1:17 is employed to argue this point. What is the truth regarding this matter?

Since the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” was bestowed upon the household of Cornelius, some wonder why the same experience cannot be received today. This article explains why Spirit “baptism” was an experience unique to the first century.

Some while back we published an article reviewing the Mormon dogma of “baptism for the dead.” A distinguished professor at Stanford University disputes our argumentation. This is our response to the gentleman.

The doctrine of baptism, as set forth in the New Testament, is scarcely recognizable in the modern world of “Christendom.” How did this strange and unwarranted change come about? Study this issue with us.

An examination of the Mormon doctrine of vicarious baptism—the baptism for the dead

Is the baptism in Mark 16:16 a baptism in water or is it of some other sort?

A critic has disputed the biblical position that water baptism is requisite for the forgiveness of sins. He contends that one cannot be saved by a “corruptible” method. But “water” is corruptible. Thus, it has no place in the plan of redemption. Does the argument have merit? Read this article and see.

Was Cornelius, the Roman centurion of Acts chapter ten, saved before and without baptism?

Several questions and comments have been recently received relative to some of our material dealing with the purpose of “water baptism,” as that theme is set forth in the New Testament. Accordingly, in this Feature article, we wish to address a reader’s obviously sincere concerns.

How old should a child be before he is allowed to be baptized? Are we immersing some who are too young? What are some of the guidelines by which responsible decisions can be made?

Are we baptized in the Spirit or in water?

The Bible denies that man is saved by works of human merit. But what about “works of God.” Study this commonly misunderstood issue with us.

Must baptism be administered “in the name of Jesus” only to be valid?

What is the “baptism of fire” mentioned in Matthew 3:11?

Baptism is a controversial subject in the religious world. How should it be performed? Who is a proper candidate for baptism? What is the purpose of baptism? Conflicting answers abound. Throw in a mix of emotions, and it seems even more confusing. Jason Jackson responds to a sincere reader and looks at the New Testament in order to clearly define this important topic that gets “watered down” by so many religious leaders.

A recent news item regarding the Mormon doctrine of “proxy baptism” highlights the inconsistencies of the practice and is the subject of this week’s Penpoints.