The Baptism of Disciples Alone

This book is an exegetical tour de force that is seasoned with pastoral wisdom and costly experience. No one should consider him self sufficiently studied on the subject of baptism until he has read the arguments of this paedobaptist-turned-credobaptist theologian.

Fred Malone has examined the issue of credobaptism and paedobaptism from inside and out on both accounts. His defense of credobaptism is written with kindness and understanding along with a firm persuasion of the truth of the baptism of believers only. Exegetically, doctrinally, and ecclesiologically this book gives clarity to a debate that is now some centuries old. The conscientious holders of either doctrinal position will benefit from an honest evaluation of Fred Malone’s carefully developed defense of Believer’s baptism.

This is the most important book-length argument for the baptism of disciples alone in print today. I know of no other book like it. Its case is built on the sound hermeneutics of the Reformed tradition and the Bible’s covenant theology. Malone writes from a place of deep conviction born out of much wrestling with the Scriptures and its implications for baptism. Though he served comfort ably as a Presbyterian pastor for years, Malone changed his position and became a Baptist because his conscience was held captive by the Word of God.

Believer’s baptism is a beautiful ordinance given by Christ to His local churches that has sadly also been the focus of much di vision and controversy among faithful believers over the centuries. In his book, The Baptism of Disciples Alone , Fred Malone provides an accessible, gracious, knowledgeable, and convictional defense of the biblical practice of only admitting those able to give a credible profession of faith to the waters of baptism. He stands firmly upon this truth: ‘Christian baptism is…credobaptism.’ Churches today desiring to continue to reform according to the principles of Scripture, must seek to take Malone’s arguments seriously and apply them faithfully. May this excellent treatment of such an important doctrine be read far and wide by pastors, laypersons, and all those who would seek to have a correct understanding of this wonderful sign and symbol of the Christian faith!

Fred Malone’s The Baptist of Disciples Alone is a classic treatment of baptism by one of the leaders of the Reformed Baptist resurgence of the last 50 years. His experience as a Presbyterian who became a Baptist gives an unusual insight to his treatment. May God give this new edition by Founders Ministries a wide reading. May God use it greatly!

Every Baptist will welcome Dr. Malone’s volume as being a new champion of the cause of truth. It should have immense usefulness for pastors ad churches as a tool for teaching covenant theology and as an aid in controversy about the subjects of baptism.

Fred Malone has written one of the most important books on baptism to appear in a least the last two hundred years—and every thoughtful Christian will find The Baptism of Disciples Alone to be an essential guide to thinking through the debate between what Dr. Malone rightly identifies as the “paedobaptists” and the “credobaptists.” The Lord Jesus Christ set baptism at the center of Christian worship and as the defining mark of Chrsitan identity. Dr. Malone is a scholar and pastor who argues with biblical passion and instructs by personal testimony. He presents his case with the skill of an at torney, the conviction of a theologian, and the care of a faithful pas tor— and he is right! We are all in his debt.

Fred Malone presents the best case I have seen for believers’ baptism from a covenantal perspective. This outstanding book deserves to be widely read and studied by everyone involved in the baptism discussion.