We are not saved by baptism. God uses faith and grace to save us. However, as a representation of it, baptism is strongly related to it. As stated in 1 Peter 3:21, “Baptism, which corresponds to this (= the waters of the flood in Noah’s time), now saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, not as a means of washing away dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience.”
This verse may readily give rise to the idea that salvation comes through baptism. Two factors, nevertheless, indicate that there might have been a miscommunication.
- First, there is a reference to the flood during Noah’s time. It was not the flood that saved Noah. Quite the reverse—many individuals were killed by the water. The only reason Noah survived the deluge was because he had the ark. Similarly, if baptism is not accompanied by faith, it also cannot save.
- Second, Peter demonstrates that if baptism is not accompanied by an inner belief, it is meaningless as an external symbol. Because what makes baptism effective is not the “removal of dirt from the body,” as occurs when we take a bath, but rather “an appeal to God for a good conscience.” There has been much discussion on the precise meaning and accurate translation of this phrase. However, it is evident that it alludes to a spiritual truth associated with baptism and that our salvation is not derived from the ritual itself.
“An appeal (or strong desire) to receive a good conscience in relationship to God” may be the best approach to interpret the phrase “an appeal to God for a good conscience” (ESV). Baptism therefore corresponds with seeking God and relying on Him to grant [sin forgiveness] and, consequently, a clear conscience. The fact that all of this is only achievable [“through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”] is then underlined at the end of the verse. We are only able to experience new life via the power of the Holy Spirit because He overcame death and is now eternally alive.
Trust in Christ
We are to put our faith in the risen Christ in order to receive a new, pure life in which we are willing to obey Him, just like the readers of Peter’s message did. A representation of that and God’s assurance to us that He want to deliver that is baptism.
