Baptism: God’s Gift of Holiness

by Jim Petty; Miles Cotham

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2022

Overview

In this study, Jim Petty and Miles Cotham have made a thorough analysis of the biblical passages concerning the purpose of baptism, particularly as it relates to holiness and forgiveness. The authors have looked beyond the traditional church dogmas to discover and restore the beauty and significance of the baptismal event. As the doctrine of baptism is wound and entwined through other doctrines taught in the New Testament, a tapestry of salvation emerges in which each doctrine is dependent on and complimentary to the others.

Following a careful examination of the meaning of holiness, the authors have demonstrated its close affinity to baptism as seen in the practice of baptism by John the Baptist and Jesus, in the preaching of the early church, and in the writings of the New Testament letters. In the appendix, the study concludes with a selected list of quotations throughout the history of the church that includes various interpretations of the purpose of baptism.

Praise for Baptism

“Jim and Miles have written a very well-worded and easy-to-read work that general readers as well as specialists should benefit from studying. I have not read a more fair and convincing argument for biblical baptism.”

— Jerry Gaw, author of A Time to Heal: The Diffusion of Listerism in Victorian Britain



“Jim Petty and Miles Cotham have done a masterful job revisiting the subject of baptism with fresh eyes. This deep dive is comprehensive, intellectually honest, thoroughly biblical, and exceedingly practical. One of the biggest blessings was the authors’ decision to frame the discussion in the larger context of Christian holiness. This book will reaffirm your commitment to evangelism and the necessity of baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sin.”

—Aubrey Johnson, author of Love More, Sin Less



“Jim Petty and Miles Cotham have provided us with an exhaustive, thorough, and scholarly work on the meaning and purpose of baptism. They have done a masterful job in dealing with the efforts of some to divorce baptism from the forgiveness of sins. They have also rendered a valuable service in showing that baptism is the place at which the blood of Christ cleanses us of our sins making us holy so that we can be united with God in his holiness.”

—Sellers Crain, author of Matthew 1–13 and Matthew 14–28

Product Details

• Title: Baptism: God’s Gift of Holiness
• Authors: Jim Petty, Miles Cotham
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Pages: 300
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666740929, 9781666740912, 1666740918, 9781666740905, 166674090X, 1666740926
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666740929
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T17:45:05Z

About the Authors

Jim Petty has ministered as a preacher and teacher of the gospel for over thirty-five years with the Churches of Christ in Oregon and Tennessee. He is the author of Bartholomew, Apostle of Light. Petty holds a BA in biblical studies from David Lipscomb University in Nashville and a master of religion from Harding School of Theology in Memphis.



Miles Cotham served as a preacher, teacher, and missionary. He taught classes in Bible, history, and French at various Christian schools. He hosted radio Bible lessons in English and French. Cotham holds a BA in biblical studies from David Lipscomb College, an MA from Middle Tennessee State University in history, and an MA from Tennessee State University in education. He received a DMin from Theological University of America.