Must one be baptized in order to be saved? If water baptism is not essential to salvation, then why get baptized? In this pamphlet, Dr. Hutson thoroughly examines the relationship between baptism and salvation. Often referring to the original Greek words, the author gives us the bedrock Bible reasons behind baptism and clears up many troubling passages. With common sense and illustrations Dr. Hutson presents clear Scriptural arguments that show baptism is not essential to salvation. He then shows why every person who trusts Christ for salvation should be baptized. - Sword of the Lord
Curtis Hutson was an Independent Baptist pastor and editor of The Sword of the Lord (1980-1995). While working as a mail carrier, Hutson preached at church services and revivals in the Atlanta area. In 1956 he conducted a revival at the tiny Forrest Hills Baptist Church of Scottdale. By the end of the week, Hutson had filled the fifty seats in the church, the pastor had resigned, and Hutson was called to replace him. Although he had no formal training, Hutson served as pastor while continuing to work for the post office.
He began to preach about soul winning, and his congregation began to follow his example. In 1967 Hutson quit the post office to become a full-time pastor--at first for a salary of $75 a month. Between 1969 and 1972, the church grew from 350 to 2,300 members. In 1976, when Hutson resigned after 20 years of pastoring, church membership was 7,900. Entering full-time evangelism, Hutson held area-wide evangelistic meetings from 1977 to 1980. From 1974 to 1980, he also served as president of the now defunct Baptist University of America near Atlanta.
As a fundamentalist he held to the great cardinal doctrines of the Faith: the verbal inspiration of the Bible in its original autographs; the virgin birth and deity of Christ; His vicarious death for sin; His physical resurrection; salvation by grace through faith; and the visible second coming of Christ. He was a believer in ecclesiastical and personal separation.
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