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1 Peter 3:21, 22
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. In our doctrinal statement we say that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, Word of God; we believe every word of the Bible to be truth spoken from the mouth of God; and further, we believe it to be the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, or daily living. God is omniscient – which means God fully knows Himself and all things actual or possible in one simple and eternal act. Why is it necessary to understand and believe such mind bending statements as those? Because the more a true Christian studies the Word of God, the more the God of the Word reveals Himself as a God of detailed intricacy and accuracy that permeates every part of creation! The question I want to try to answer today is: does the Bible teach baptismal regeneration – or that one must be baptized in water to be saved? First, let’s review some passages of Scripture that are very familiar, at least to students of the Word. Let’s start with John 3:16; Rom. 3:10-26; 5:1-11; 6:20-23; Gal. 2:15-21; Eph. 1:3-14; Heb. 9:11-14. Even a casual reading of these passages brings one to the conclusion that it is God, and God alone that provides redemption/salvation and justification from sin. Let’s look first of all at:
- BAPTISM AS A RESEMBLANCE! vs. 21. Notice in verse 21 Peter says “and this water symbolizes baptism.” The ESV says “baptism, which corresponds to this.” so the first truth to understand is that baptism is presented as a type, symbol, a likeness or a resemblance. So the question becomes then baptism is a type, likeness or resemblance of what? Go back to v. 18-20. Peter is saying that the act of Christian baptism provides the same illustration, and carries with it the same symbols of the flood. So what are those symbols? Proclamation of the word – 19. The second type is the patience of God. According to Rom. 2:4 God demonstrates His patience to us to bring us to repentance! Another type or symbol is preparation by God! He moves through history to help people be ready to be saved. The next type or symbol of baptism, which is God’s protection! V. 20. Noah and his family “were brought safely through the water.” Noah believed the ark was his only hope of salvation. There is the truth you have to understand; the ark saved Noah, not the water! His building the ark was a demonstration of their faith that God would save them from the water not by the water.
- BAPTISM AS A REQUEST! V. 21. Peter is telling us that water baptism is a symbol of *“an appeal to God for a good conscience.” He is teaching us that when a person who claims to be a Christian is baptized – they are publicly declaring they have appealed to God on the basis of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, asking Him to work in their lives in such a way as to develop a proper, Godly conscience. Listen beloved! The Bible clearly teaches that salvation comes by God’s grace alone!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
