" A Figure of the True "

 

1st.Peter 3:19-22  "By which also HE went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of GOD waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward GOD.) by the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST: WHO is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of GOD; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto HIM."

     The believer who has been washed in the blood and is enjoying a right relationship with GOD experiences a "good conscience" (v.21). This inner witness bears testimony to our union with CHRIST. The concluding verses of chapter three remind us of GOD's faithfulness in providing a perfect salvation from GOD's certain judgment which will fall upon all who have rejected their CREATOR (vv.19-20). The enemies of the early church would eventually face judgment just as the unrighteous in Noah's day were judged by GOD. Only those who were in the ark were saved when the flood came, and only those who are in CHRIST are saved from GOD's future judgment. 

     Does water baptism bring about salvation ? Absolutely not ! Noah and his family were not saved by the water but from the water of judgment. Their salvation came by being inside the ark. The ark served as a "figure" or a type of the believer's salvation from judgment by being in CHRIST. In today's text, water baptism is used to illustrate the operation of GOD that occurs inwardly upon the one who believes. The "figure" (baptism) speaks of our personal identification with JESUS CHRIST. HE is our "ark," and our salvation by HIS saving grace is received by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9 above). Does a ritual save ? No ! Salvation does not come by "the putting away of the filth of the flesh" (through ceremonial washings, a reference to Old Testament customs) but by "the answer of a good conscience toward GOD," which is gained by faith in the blood of the LAMB and in HIS resurrection, thus rendering the conscience clean or "good" before GOD (Hebrews 9:14 above). Believers baptism by immersion follows saving faith (Acts 10:43-48; 15:6-11). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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