Holy Baptism: Word Keys Which Unlock The Covenant

by Duane Edward Spencer

This volume is a compilation of a series of "Word Key" studies on the mode of baptism. These studies are the most comprehensive and readable presentation of the anti-immersionist position available today. Unlike many modern treatments of the subject, Spencer does not argue that sprinkling or pouring are merely acceptable modes of baptism; rather, he argues that baptism is only properly administered when the water falls from above, and that immersion as a mode of baptism is wrong.

Genres: Theology

170 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Brendan Westerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer is most convincing when he's arguing from Scripture/language and least convincing when arguing from circumstance (geography); but overall he constructs a pretty firm polemic against immersion baptism, rather siding in favor of a baptism by sprinkling/pouring.

[Jonah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important contribution to the study of baptism. Great work.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

THE GOOD: Spencer does a thoughtful job showing theological and symbolic reasons why baptism should be performed by pouring or sprinkling.

THE BAD: Spencer bases almost his entire argument on the assumption that no Jewish ritual washings were done by immersion. While it may be the case that no washings were required to be performed by immersion (according to a plain reading of the Torah), it is a historical fact that by Jesus' day the Jews performed many of their washings by immersion. Archaeologists have uncovered over 100 mikvahs (baths for ritual immersion) throughout Jerusalem alone, and Rabbinic writings testify to the practice of washing by immersion for the cleansing of lepers, the high priest's duties on the Day of Atonement, proselyte converts to Judaism, and many more. Therefore, Spencer's repeated assertions that Christian baptism by immersion would have been contrary to the Law and impossible on a practical level does not hold water.

(See here and here for more on immersion in mikvahs.)

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that I was a bit skeptical when I read the premise of the book. Could you really prove that sprinkling was the only proper mode of baptism? Given how many times immersion seemed to be practiced in the New Testament, I wasn't sure that this was a provable thesis. However, through the course of the book, Spencer did a magnificent job of convincing me of his thesis. By utilizing lots of biblical and historical context to support his points, Spencer gave a very thorough look at the topic. In the end, I wasn't completely convinced that immersion was wrong, since some of his explanations seemed stretched. However, he definitely convinced me that sprinkling was the more biblically correct mode of baptism. Great book for anyone looking to study this topic.

4 stars. (Very Good)

[Matthew Hodge · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice brief introduction to the word issues behind the sprinkling vs immersion debate, but at the same time, not referencing any other books, which makes me a bit nervous to rely on it as a resource.

[Arin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it only briefly addressed infant baptism, this book thoroughly answered every question I have had about the practice of baptism. Not only referencing the text itself, but also the culture and covenant perspective that supports its form and function. Highly recommended!

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.