baptism

Why Baptism? 1 Peter 3:18-22

Marcus Walker Van EveryLeave a comment

“In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water.  And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge off a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

[1 Peter 3:20-21]

Baptism is a significant, symbolic, and sacred ordinance in the life of God’s people. The importance of baptism can be appreciated all throughout Scripture, from the ritual purity rites required of the Levitical priesthood to the immersion of Jesus Himself in the River Jordan. The Israelites were said to be “baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:2), as believers in Messiah are said to be “baptized into Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:3).

Unfortunately, baptism has become one of the most confusing and controversial topics within the faith. Great debate remains involving the purpose and practical method of baptism, as some even claim that water baptism is a requirement for salvation itself!

In 1 Peter 3, the Apostle connects baptism with the salvation of Noah and his family through the flood. Many have used this passage of Scripture as a proof text to justify baptismal regeneration, yet a closer look at this text in the broader context of Scripture demonstrates an entirely different picture.

I propose to you that baptism DOES save! Just NOT water baptism.

Jesus and the Apostles are clear. There is a baptism that saves – the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Only the regeneration of the Holy Spirit has the power to save us and make us altogether new from the inside out. Perhaps Paul’s letter to Titus best demonstrates this fact.

“He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.” [Titus 3:5-7]

To discover more about the real meaning and purpose of baptism, be sure to watch my teaching from 1 Peter 3 in the YouTube video below. And as always, please subscribe and share these teachings throughout your network to further the spread of the gospel of the Kingdom!

Jesus the Greater Enoch — 1 Peter 3:18-22

Marcus Walker Van Every2 Comments

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, 19in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water.

[1 Peter 3:18-20]

In the final verses of 1 Peter 3, we are confronted with one of the most challenging passages in all of Scripture. Peter opens the door for discussion on a variety of controversial topics. For example, we discover an enigmatic reference to Jesus going to the “spirits in prison” and making some form of declaration, which has generated all types of interpretations including the Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory.

Peter also connects the flood to a form of “baptism,” and if not read carefully, would seem to imply some form of baptismal regeneration. Other denominations have run with this passage teaching the false doctrine that one must be water baptized to be saved.

And then there is the obvious allusion to the ancient Book of Enoch, who is described as serving as a mediator between God and the rebellious Watcher angels in the days before the flood.

As you can see, this passage has been the genesis of great confusion and controversy in the church, but a closer look at this passage in its greater context resolves all of these concerns.

Many pastors simply skip over this text altogether to avoid the difficulties it presents. But that is both unnecessary and irresponsible.

We can know with confidence the true identity of the mysterious “spirits in prison.” We can understand the cosmic mission of Jesus in light of His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. We also can disregard the idea of purgatory and baptismal regeneration.

If we are willing to study the whole counsel of God.

To discover more about this fascinating passage, please watch my teaching in the YouTube video below, and please feel free to share within your own networks.