The Baptized Life

by Thomas A. Jones

Does your baptism mean more than you think? In this unusual look at the life of a follower of Jesus, Tom A. Jones examines the various meanings of baptism described in the New Testament. He shows it to be a transformational, even radical, event rich with meaning one for the disciple to come back to again and again to bring clarity to his or her walk with Christ. Understand why the kingdom life and the disciple s life is really the baptized life. While the disciple s relationship to God is viewed through the lens of baptism, the emphasis is kept on Jesus how baptism derives all its meaning from him, from the grace that comes through him, and from faith that is placed in him and not in baptism itself. This book will deepen your appreciation of baptism, but most of all, it will call you to live differently because biblical baptism is always into Christ.

184 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2013

Reviews

[Taylor Vegge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, but important book about the significance of baptism but that it’s not a one stop shop. Being in Christ is living out a daily baptism as we immerse our flesh to live out the will of Jesus

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does an amazing job explaining what (real) baptism is, which brought me to a nearness to the faith once delivered to us all, disciples. He links all the vital elements of baptism as close as possible to original and unadulterated Christianity.

[Shawnele · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who was taught the version of baptism that is faithful to a plain reading of the New Testament Scriptures on the subject (baptism of believers to be born again (John 3:5, Romans 6:1-10); to be clothed in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27); for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16); to be disciples of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20, in short: to be saved (Mark16:16; Colossians 2:10-14; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21)), I didn't figure that there would be a whole lot in this book that was unfamiliar to me - but I thought it might be a good resource to pass on to others in a church culture where the Biblical understanding of God's design for baptism has been weakened at best and perverted at worst. I was wrong - and right!

I was wrong when I assumed this book would offer nothing new - as it is perhaps the best I've ever read on baptism - moving beyond the basics of how, when, and why - and moving on to talk about what it means to live out a life clothed in Christ. I think that those who are trying to stay true to what the NT teaches on baptism can get hung up on that argument and not move beyond it. The basic discussion on baptism IS very important - but if we stop at the baptismal pool - if we're not currently living the baptized life - we have missed the bigger picture.

And I was correct in thinking this may be a good resource to share. It is excellent and we have ordered a number of copies to give out to others - because it is just that good!

[David Eversole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a loan from one of our Elders. I enjoyed this book and appreciated what it had to say. The idea is that our baptism affects our entire life, from that point forward. We live differently in every way because we have been baptized. This was a refreshing way of thinking for me. My baptism is not just something that was done and is now on the 'checked off' list, it is something that affects how I live each day.