Baptism: A Solemn and Beautiful Emblem of Our Faith

by Tony Wolfe, James K. Dew Jr. (Foreword)

Baptism is a beautiful and solemn emblem of faith in Jesus Christ. But is it essential to salvation? Is the mode of baptism, the formula of baptism, or the baptizer as important as some insist? Should your infants and children be baptized? Can one be baptized virtually? Representatively? These questions and more are honest inquiries by Christians in the twenty first century. In A Solemn and Beautiful Emblem of Our Faith, Wolfe explains the Baptist doctrine and practice of baptism by immersion, after salvation. His treatment of the subject is theologically rich and historically grounded, and it is also respectfully contrasted with the beliefs and practices of other denominations and faith traditions. Baptists in every generation must get baptism right. It is among our most cherished theological distinctives. As the twenty first century presents new challenges to the doctrine and practice of baptism, Baptists need to approach the subject with biblical confidence, conversational clarity, and relational kindness. Baptism affords pastors, theologians, and everyday church members the charity of clarity on what can often be one of the most neglected or compromised doctrines of our faith.

Praise for A Solemn and Beautiful Emblem of Our FaithIf no one else on earth gets baptism right, Baptists must. The fact is that the affirmations of believer’s baptism and regenerate church membership require Baptists to separate from fellow brethren in order to establish churches more faithfully modeled on the New Testament. - R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Grounded in Scripture and enriched by charitable engagement with other traditions, this book is highly readable and pastorally useful. - Adam Harwood, Professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Baptists are a people who hold certain convictions about baptism. Yet many fail to understand the significance and role baptism plays in the life of God’s people and God’s church. This book helpfully demonstrates the beauty of baptism for ordinary Christians and churches. Robustly biblical and theologically nuanced, Tony Wolfe’s book is a valuable tool for those seeking to obey the Great Commission. - Matt Rogers, Pastor at Christ Fellowship Cherrydale

200 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Christopher Sweet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tony is doctrinally and theologically solid. My review for this book though is because it didn’t offer any insight or perspective that hasn’t already been presented in many books before. I also felt at times as if he bordered on the edge of legalism though I don’t believe it crossed over to that degree. This just didn’t seem to be a necessary book. It’s just repetition.