By David J. Stewart | November 2011

1st Peter 3:21-22, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”

       What does 1st Peter 3:21 mean? Is water baptism mandatory for salvation? Are we saved by water baptism? Isn't that what the Bible is teaching here? No, not at all. This is a highly controversial passage of Scripture and oftentimes misunderstood. Many Bible students “Do err, not knowing the Scriptures” (Matthew 22:29). May we rightly divide the Word of truth (2nd Timothy 2:15) with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

First, notice the introductory phrase, The like figure...” It's important to know that the Greek word for the phrase “like figure” is antitupon, which means, “corresponding ('antitype'), that is, a representative, counterpart.” Thus, the Bible is actually comparing a contrast between baptism and the flood. It's also important to remember what water baptism symbolizes, that is, the gospel.

The world had become immoral, a cesspool of filth. So God purged the world of wickedness, of the filth of the flesh, through the flood which destroyed humanity (except 8 survivors; namely, Noah and his family). In contrast, we are not saved by laying aside the filth of the flesh (works), which is plainly stated in 1st Peter 3:21. Instead, we are saved by the gospel (which baptism represents), “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

The comparison made in 1st Peter 3:21 is that we are saved, just as Noah and his family were saved. However, the contrast is that they were saved from the filth of the world; but we are saved eternally by the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Noah and his family didn't receive eternal life by getting on the ark. They were already saved, which is why they got on the ark. Noah moved with fear to build the ark because he had faith in God (Hebrews 11:7).

The Apostle Peter, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us that we are saved through what water baptism represents, which is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ's resurrection is often focused on in the Scriptures because all humanity dies and is buried; but only Jesus has risen triumphant from the dead, and is seated in Heaven on the Father's right hand. Colossians 3:1, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

Again, we see emphasis placed upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Romans 8:34, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” The word “rather” following “yea” is mallon in Greek, meaning, “more (in a greater degree) or rather.” Christ died and was buried, but the greater news is that JESUS IS RISEN!!!

The founding prophet of Islam, Muhammad, died and was buried, but he never rose from the dead. Buddha died and was buried, but he has not risen from the dead. Zoroaster is dead and buried, but he never arose from the grave. History's greatest prophets and great men and women are all dead and buried, none having risen. Ah, but Jesus Christ is risen, ascended into Heaven, and is seated on the right-hand of the Father, interceding for every believer as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:15-16)!!! Amen and amen!!!

Notice 1st Peter 3:22, “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”

So we learn here in 1st Peter 3:20-22 that whereas Noah and his family were saved from the filth of the world through the water (flood); in counterpart likeness we are saved through what water baptism symbolizes, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ; moreover, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. CHRIST IS RISEN!!!

Water Baptism cannot save anybody. The only way to have a good conscience toward God is by faith in Jesus Christ, Who has risen from the dead triumphant over death. Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” The Bible repeatedly teaches that we are saved, brought nigh unto God again by the blood of Jesus, through faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:26, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

Perhaps one of the greatest arguments against the heresy of Baptismal Regeneration (the teaching that water baptism is essential for salvation) is found in 1st John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” The Epistle of 1st John was written so that a person may KNOW, for certain, that they are saved. Not one mention of baptism of any sort is ever made in the three Epistles of John.

If water baptism were necessary for salvation, then without question the Apostle John would have said to make sure that you've been baptized; but he doesn't even mention the subject. Clearly, water baptism is not mandatory to be saved. In fact, if you add water baptism to your faith (just in case), you've corrupt the gospel and have no faith at all in the Savior. You are still in your sins without Christ if you rely upon water baptism as a sacrament.

Some people get baptized as an added measure of protection, thinking that it can't hurt anything to get water baptized to prepare for death; however, such thinking is a denial of the Savior altogether, for you are not wholly trusting Him to save you. It only requires faith as a grain of mustard seed to be saved, but it must be faith. It matters not how much doubt that you may have, but you MUST place all of your existing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven of sins and saved.

Please DON'T rely upon water baptism to get you to Heaven! Trust only Jesus, the Christ, the only begotten Son of God. John 20:31, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Water baptism is one's public profession of faith AFTER you are saved. We get baptized because we ARE saved, as an act of obedience to the Scriptures; and not as a part of the ROOT of saving-faith (Romans 4:5).

Those false prophets who add water baptism, to the simplicity of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, are teaching ANOTHER GOSPEL. Galatians 1:8, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Water baptism is a believer's public profession of faith—an outward snapshot of what has happened inwardly (i.e., faith in Christ's death, burial and resurrection; which is what baptism symbolizes).

There's not enough warning in our churches today against the Devil's lie of Baptismal Regeneration. 1st Peter 3:21 is one of numerous Scriptures that are often warped and twisted (wrestled as 2nd Peter 3:16 says) to lead people astray into darkness. The Gospel is simple—Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He was buried, and He bodily rose again for justification three days later (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). We are forgiven of our sins through faith in Jesus as the Christ, the only begotten Son of God, Who shed His precious blood for our sins (Acts 10:43; 1st Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 1:5). Eternal life is a free gift to be received, not achieved (John 3:16; Romans 5:15; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Revelation 22:17). In actuality, you don't even have to “ASK” God to save you, because Jesus has already paid the price for our sins with His precious blood. That is why forgiveness of sins and eternal life are a free gift from God. So to be forgiven, you simply need to receive it by faith as a gift, believing in the GOOD NEWS of Christ crucified, buried and risen! I hope you have done that dear reader. But if you haven't, please don't delay, because today could be the last day of your life.

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