1 Peter 3:21-22
What is written? (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, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
What does it say?
Baptism, like Noah being saved through the water, isn’t a bath in the physical sense of bathing. It “saves you” and is your commitment to God for a good conscience by Jesus’ resurrection, the same Jesus that ascended to heaven and is at God’s right hand, with all angels, authorities, and powers made in subjection to Him.
What is its immediate context?
Peter is comparing the way in which Noah and his family were saved (through water) to the way baptism now saves (also through water). Importantly, he’s not discounting or negating the gift of God’s son and His sacrifice which makes it all possible. Those elements that make salvation possible at all are alluded to, it’s just not his main point right here.
How 1 Peter 3:21-22 is applied across Bible answers
Is baptism for the forgiveness of sins?
Baptism is a physical act, but it isn't for a physical purpose ("removal of dirt from the body"). Instead, it serves as an appeal to God that saves us eternally.
Is baptism required for salvation?
Much like Paul does12, Peter pulls an Old Testament example forward to apply to the New Testament Christian's baptism. The saving element in both instances is the water; water baptism saves us spiritually.
Top 4: Results of baptism?
One's baptism is an "appeal to God". It is what "saves you", which is exactly how Peter used it in answering the crowd on the day of Pentecost.9
Top 5: Images for baptism?
Baptism isn't about washing the body, but cleansing the conscience and is what connects us to the bodily resurrection of Christ!
What is the purpose of baptism?
The saving element in both instances is the water, therefore water baptism saves us spiritually.
What saves you eternally?
Water baptism saves us spiritually.
The Christian's baptism "corresponds to" the way in which Noah's family was "brought safely through the water". (vs 20)
Where is Jesus today?
Jesus is in heaven at God, the Father's, right hand.
