Is Baptism Essential for Salvation?

Is Baptism Essential for Salvation? by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 3:21pm A READER HAS ASKED the straightforward question, “Is baptism essential for salvation?” My straightforward (but qualified) answer is this: “Under normal circumstances, since the … Continue reading

What is the Age of Accountability?

What is the Age of Accountability? by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 12:21pm QUERY: How can we tell when a child reaches the “age of accountability”? ANSWER: The word “accountability” raises two questions: a) Accountable FOR … Continue reading

Acts 22:16 and Baptism

Acts 22:16 and Baptism by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:59pm A RECENT INQUIRY: Some Bible versions [e.g., Holman Christian Standard Bible] are translating Acts 22:16 as, “Be baptized and wash away your sins BY calling … Continue reading

“Good Fruit” from the “Unbaptized”

“Good Fruit” from the “Unbaptized” by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 1:32pm QUESTION: “The idea of the visible and invisible church was a mystery to me until I read your book ‘Baptism: A Biblical Study’ (ch. … Continue reading

Martin Luther on Immersion

Martin Luther on Immersion by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 8:43am A RECENT QUESTION: Was Martin Luther himself immersed? The question came up at church yesterday in a discussion about Martin Luther’s high view of baptism. … Continue reading

“Second Work of Grace”

“Second Work of Grace” by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 2:06pm I HAD A REQUEST about Wesleyanism: “The Wesleyan church believes there are two forms of grace. I don’t understand this. Their doctrine is similar to … Continue reading

More on Baptism in the Name of Jesus Only

More on Baptism in the Name of Jesus Only by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Monday, September 7, 2009 at 4:24pm This is a follow-up to my earlier note on “Baptism in the Name of Jesus Only.” One of the comments … Continue reading

Baptism in the Name of Jesus Only

Baptism in the Name of Jesus Only by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 3:11pm TODAY I HAD A QUERY about baptism in the name of “Jesus only.” The inquirer asked me to “cite some resources regarding … Continue reading

What about Rebaptism?

What about Rebaptism? by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 7:02pm THE QUESTION OF REBAPTISM On Aug. 26 I received the following query about whether a “rebaptism” would be advisable in the questioner’s case. I thought my … Continue reading