1 Peter 3:21 (ESV) — Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you,
not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good
conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
NOTE: Constable
writes:
"The
antecedent of “this” (sic) seems to be “water” (v. 20). Baptism saves
Christians now as the water that floated Noah’s ark saved him and drowned his
unbelieving antagonists. It does not save us by cleansing us from defilement,
either physically or spiritually, but by announcing publicly that the person
baptized has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism now delivers
(saves) us from the consequences of siding with the world." (Expository
Notes, 1 Peter, 2003)
I think Constable is
right. Jesus has done all the work. Our response is threefold -- believe,
repent, and choose. Those three verbs represent our mind, our heart, and our
will. If any one of them is missing, I don't believe a person can become a
Christian. While baptism is not necessary as the
expression of our will, it certainly is a public expression of our will.
Salvation is primarily internal, but the external element can be key in putting
the stake in the ground. An unwillingness to publicly identify with Jesus'
death raises doubt in regards to a person's actual conversion.
PRAYER: Father, help
us not to be fooled by our emotions. "Knowing Jesus" is more than a
feeling and is not confirmed by feelings. It is confirmed by a changed life
with a deep love to get into the word of God for food.
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