Born of Water: What the Bible Really Says About Baptism

This book is a must-read for anyone who does not believe that baptism is a necessary part of salvation. The most valuable part of it is Appendix E: "What The Early Christians Really Said About Baptism." Geissler quotes EVERY reference to baptism found in all the early Christian writings that are not in the Bible.

Rex Geissler has a heart to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). This book is devoted, in love, to helping religious people see the truth of what the Bible teaches about baptism. Written in an easy to understand format, this book explores nearly every NT text on baptism, looks at several religious and denominational teachings on salvation such as "the sinner's prayer" or "praying Jesus into your heart." Geissler also has added two appendixes on what the early church fathers taught about baptism and also an examination of the Greek text of Matthew 28:19.My only reason for not giving this book a 5 star is that Geissler is part of the International Churches of Christ. While I admire the ICOC for its zeal and unity, I have to also add that they hold an unbiblical view of authority and also hold to some traditions of men such as their clergy/laity system (for more on this see Frank Viola's book Rethinking the Wineskins and also Who Is Your Covering?).