Inward Baptism analyses the theological developments that led to the great evangelical revivals of the mid-eighteenth century. Baird Tipson here demonstrates how the rationale for the "new birth," the characteristic and indispensable evangelical experience, developed slowly but inevitably from Luther's critique of late medieval Christianity. Addressing the great indulgence campaigns of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, Luther's perspective on sacramental baptism, as well as the confrontation between Lutheran and Reformed theologians who fastened on to different aspects of Luther's teaching, Tipson sheds light on how these disparate historical moments collectively created space for evangelicalism. This leads to an exploration of the theology of the leaders of the Evangelical awakening in the British Isles, George Whitefield and John Wesley, who insisted that by preaching the immediate revelation of the Holy Spirit during the "new birth," they were recovering an essential element of primitive Christianity that had been forgotten over the centuries. Ultimately, Inward Baptism examines how these shifts in religious thought made possible a commitment to an inward baptism and consequently, the evangelical experience.

"Conversion" in late Medieval Christianity -- Luther insists on faith -- Can one turn to one's outward baptism for assurance of salvation? : the Colloquy at Montbéliard -- The "conscience religion" of William Perkins -- Grace resolved into morality? -- The outbreak of evangelicalism.

As the Church continues to try to clarify the meaning of baptism, well-known liturgical scholar Kenneth Stevenson provides important insights into the historical issues with which we still wrestle. Is baptism a private or a public act? Is the symbolism of the rite still appropriate? Does the language of the baptismal service remain meaningful in a secular age? In order to answer these and other pressing questions, we must understand the thinking of those who have come before us. Stevenson does just that by looking at the writings of the 17th century Anglican divines such as Lancelot Andrewes, George Herbert, Richard Hooker, Richard Baxter, Jeremy Taylor and others, all of whom have a vital and prophetic significance for our understanding and practice of baptism today.

In this study, Jim Petty and Miles Cotham have made a thorough analysis of the biblical passages concerning the purpose of baptism, particularly as it relates to holiness and forgiveness. The authors have looked beyond the traditional church dogmas to discover and restore the beauty and significance of the baptismal event. As the doctrine of baptism is wound and entwined through other doctrines taught in the New Testament, a tapestry of salvation emerges in which each doctrine is dependent on and complimentary to the others. Following a careful examination of the meaning of holiness, the authors have demonstrated its close affinity to baptism as seen in the practice of baptism by John the Baptist and Jesus, in the preaching of the early church, and in the writings of the New Testament letters. In the appendix, the study concludes with a selected list of quotations throughout the history of the church that includes various interpretations of the purpose of baptism.