Essential New Testament

The Essential New Testament is a new translation of the New Testament from the Greek text. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that every time the word “baptism” occurs in the New Testament (approximately ninety-five times), it is translated “immersion” or the grammatically appropriate form of that word. This translation should be an asset to pastors who preach immersion as the only form of baptism. It should also be helpful in new members’ classes where immersion is taught. It is so much easier for a baptism candidate to understand why baptism is by immersion if he or she has a New Testament Translation that has the word “immersion” in place of the word “baptism.” I think that pastors and lay leaders who believe baptism is to be done by “sprinkling” should also put together a New Testament, replacing the word “baptism” with “sprinkling.” The good news is that no matter which form of baptism people practice, salvation comes by faith in the Christ of the Bible and not from any form of baptism.