Tag Archives: Baptism of Desire

What Is the Spiritual Status of the Unimmersed?

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What Is the Spiritual Status of the Unimmersed? by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 5:08pm ANOTHER SERIOUS QUESTION: We know some very spiritual individuals who have never been immersed into Christ but who are living very dedicated, Spirit-filled lives. We agree that they should be immersed as the New Testament teaches, but are we to think about their present spiritual status? Are they saved or not? MY REPLY: This is an extremely difficult and delicate situation, and making a negative judgment in this case is certainly one of the hardest things a spiritual leader will ever … Continue reading →

Is Baptism Essential for Salvation?

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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 Day of Pentecost, YES.” In my book, “Baptism: A Biblical Study” (College Press, 2 ed., 2006) I have shown that the 12 NT texts that say anything at all about the purpose of baptism all testify to its saving significance. Water baptism is clearly described as the time or occasion during which God bestows salvation upon the one being baptized. … Continue reading →

What Is Baptism for the Dead?

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What Is Baptism for the Dead? by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 2:42pm QUERY: What is your interpretation of the baptism of the dead? MY ANSWER: This question refers to Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 15:29, “Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?” What does Paul mean? I begin by citing one of my best commentaries on First Corinthians (F. W. Grosheide): “Vs. 29 is one of the most difficult passages in the New Testament. Interpretations abound … Continue reading →

“Good Fruit” from the “Unbaptized”

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“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. 8). This includes the idea that only God knows who is truly justified. I was wondering though, how we can explain the tremendous fruit by such scholars of the day that don’t believe and have not been baptized for the forgiveness of sin, e.g., John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, and Norman Geisler.” MY REPLY: This is not an easy question, but … Continue reading →

More on Baptism in the Name of Jesus Only

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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 that followed that note was by Tom Lawson; see that note for its content. Then another comment was added by Titus Chapman, as follows: “tom its not as clear to me maybe you can explain it to me. I have not found anyone who can use other scriptures or examples for bapt ecpt mt 28 19 to explain why it … Continue reading →

What about Rebaptism?

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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 response might be of interest. (I have the writer’s permission to use this.) QUESTIONER’S QUERY. I would like to go over some basic background information that may help you better understand my dilemma. I was raised in a home where there was no strict doctrine. Though my mother had grown up in church, our family did not regularly attend for … Continue reading →