Baptism Is A Figure Peter said, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away f the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” (1 Peter 3:21). To which our denominational friends say, “Aha, baptism is only a figure of our salvation – it is an outward sign of an inward grace.” But that conclusion is a distortion of the wording in Peter’s statement. Based upon the general admission that Peter is talking about water baptism, and he is, let us accept some necessary conclusions. Fist, baptism is obviously a figure (type). But of what is it a type? The text gives the answer -- v. 21 speaks of baptism as a “like figure” connects back to v. 20. Peter had just said, “…God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” The comparison is between Noah’s salvation by the flood’s waters and our salvation by water baptism. Notice that when God sent the flood upon the earth, its design was to destroy all evil men, to rid the earth of all corruption. The flood accomplished that and when the water subsided. Noah walked out of the ark and into a clean new world. In the same way, when one is baptized in water, he comes forth from that baptism into a clean new life. It is from baptism that we are raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4b). Again, based upon the admission that v. 21 is discussing water baptism, it must also be admitted that water baptism is the subject of the sentence. Hence, the simple sentence reads, “Baptism doth also now save us.” The qualifying phrases and clauses merely explain what water baptism is and is not, but do not contradict or annual the simple sentence. Other scriptures tell us of God love and grace; Christ’s sacrifice for sin and God’s commands to believe and repent (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16; Romans 5:1-10; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). Therefore, Peter is not affirming that baptism, by itself, saves us. But such observations do not set aside the simplest, most straightforward interpretation of the language in 1 Peer 3:21 – baptism in water saves us. Peter does not say that the good conscience saves nor does he say that baptism is a symbol of our salvation. He says, “baptism saves us.” – Jim R. Everett

	Created on Febuary 16, 2003		Page last updated