Grace Fellowship Church
Baptized Into Suffering
1 Peter 3:21-22
January 28, 2007
21 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, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Introduction
Baptism tends to be a very touchy subject. Many good and godly people have disagreed over baptism for centuries. The dean of Charles Spurgeon’s pastor’s college was a Presbyterian. Presbyterians of course practice infant baptism and usually this is done by either sprinkling or pouring. Spurgeon was a Baptist and of course he would have practiced baptism upon confession and by immersion. Someone asked Spurgeon what separated him and his Presbyterian dean. His reply, “Just a little water.”
There are many views on baptism. All the views cannot be correct. Who is supposed to be baptized, what is the proper mode of baptism, is there anything efficacious in baptism, does baptism save? The list could go on and on.
At a quick reading of our text this morning, many have decided that baptism saves a person. The Catholic Church believes that baptism washes away original sin. Some denominations and independent churches believe that one must be baptized properly in order to be saved. They also must be baptized by a duly ordained minister in their tradition.
People split hairs on baptism all the time. Personally, I believe the New Testament teaches baptism by immersion upon confession of Christ as Lord and Savior.
But is our verse this morning telling us that baptism is the method for salvation? Are those denominations and churches that hold to what theologians call baptismal regeneration correct?
If you are a thinker, and most of you are, and the rest are learning to be thinkers then you already understand that words have meaning. You also understand that words have meaning within a context. Therefore we look to that context to find out what those words mean.
Illustration
If I say the word cat or dog you have in your mind an image of a cat or dog. The images of course would be different. Some of you would see fluffy cats while others would have less hair. Some of you would see small dogs while others would see larger ones. Words have meaning. But if I put those words in a context they mean something entirely different. If I say, “It’s raining cats and dogs.” Then you do not see in your mind cats and dogs falling out of the clouds but rather you understand that I mean that it is raining hard.
The mistake that those who hold to baptismal regeneration have made with this text is that they take this phrase that is in verse 21, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you…” and they stop right there. They neglect the remainder of the verse and not mention the overarching context of 1 Peter 3:13-4:19 that has to do with Christian suffering and persecution.
Context
Over the last few weeks we have spent a great deal of time mining out this section of Scripture and dealing with persecution and the resulting evangelism from it. Peter has told us how to respond to that persecution and how to adequately prepare for the proper presentation of the Gospel message which is the hope that we have in us. But he has also prepared us to understand that the overwhelming majority of people will reject the message of Christ and go into perdition. He did that by reminding us that in the days of Noah only eight persons were saved.
Today in our text, Peter harkens us back to that same imagery of Noah, the ark, and the flood. Look at verses 18-20 to remind yourself of the context.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
These verses sandwich our text with chapter 4 and the first few verses there. Look at chapter 4:1-2.
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
So whatever our passage means, we can not make the common error of separating verses 21-22 from their immediate context.
So let’s first establish some parameters. Spurgeon’s catechism teaches this about baptism.
Q. What is Baptism?A. Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, instituted by Jesus
Christ, to be to the person baptized a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death, and burial, and resurrection, of his being engrafted into him, of remission of sins, and of his giving up himself to God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life.
Q. What is the duty of such as are rightly baptized?
A. It is the duty of such as are rightly baptized, to give up themselves to some particular and orderly
In other words, baptism is the initiation into the covenant community that the Lord Jesus has purchased and redeemed by His own blood, foreordained by God the Father, and secured by the Holy Spirit.
What we have in 1 Peter 3:21 is some of the most difficult Greek in the New Testament. Good men have disagreed strongly over what these words mean. What is Peter saying? What we can be sure he is not saying is that baptism is what saves us because in chapter one he has already credited our salvation to the sovereign work of God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Look at 1:3-4.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
So what is Peter saying in these two verses?
PNP
Today from our text I want to show you two ways that baptism is used for our preservation as believers through persecution.
1. Baptism is for our protection against the outside forces of the evil world.
2. Baptism is for our protection against falling away in the midst of persecution.
Purpose
My purpose in preaching this passage is to show you that first, baptism does not save us, but rather is what God has chosen for our protection in the midst of persecution.
Some may ask, how in the world can getting dunked in the water help us through a time of suffering? Well the dunking is not what matters its all in what the dunking signifies. The baptism signifies entrance into the covenant community of Christ with full benefits including persecution. You could say that at your baptism you were baptized into suffering.
RPNP
So look with me at these two ways that baptism is used for our preservation as believers through persecution.
1. Baptism is for our protection against the outside forces of the evil world.
Look with me at verse 21.
21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body
First I want to show you quickly that the outward act of baptism will not do anything for you apart from a spiritual reality of heart conversion by Peter’s phrase in verse 21. Look at the text. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body Peter adds this phrase to ensure that we do not make the mistake and think that he is telling us that Baptism will save us and therefore we begin to look at our baptism and not to Christ who saves us.
Peter is employing a literary device known as a type or antitype. Notice the phrase which corresponds to this. Peter uses the Greek word antitupos which means a representation, a copy, or a symbol. First we need to find out what is being represented. Look at verse 21 again. Notice the first word, Baptism. So the clue is that baptism is going to represent some biblical truth in our text. Look at verse 21 again. Baptism, which corresponds to this,
Where the debate comes in is what the word this is referring to. There are many theories but I want to nail this down without boring you with exegetical details.
The NIV translates it this way, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also… The NIV is the only major translation that tries to nail down the interpretation.
The NKJV says, There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism…
The NASB says, Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you…The KJV says, The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us
So you can see that there is some debate as to the proper translation of this passage. So what does the THIS represent? Is it the water or the ark?
In our context I think it represents the whole idea of Peter’s illustration about Noah.
So let’s look at how the biblical account of Noah is similar or a type of salvation in Christ.
1. Noah found grace in the eyes of God. And today if you are a believer then you have found grace in the eyes of God. In biblical words “by grace you have been saved.”
2. Noah also exercised faith after he found grace in God’s eyes. He had faith that God was going to keep His word and send the flood on the earth. We likewise endure by faith in the God who promises us ultimate restitution against those who would do us harm for doing good.
3. Noah was obedient to God in building the ark. One of the fruits of Christian conversion is obedience to the commands of God in the Christian life.
4. Noah showed patience in waiting on the proper time for the flood to start. Likewise we show patience as a fruit of the Spirit that allows us to patiently wait for God’s ultimate redemption.
5. Noah showed endurance while the flood was happening and after as he was awaiting the restored earth. We as believers endure the flood of sin, suffering, and persecution in this world waiting for God to bring us into a new heaven and a new earth.
The point of what Peter was saying about baptism rested in his illustration of Noah.
Look back at verse 21. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you
Notice the word saves in the text. It is the Greek word sowzo. Words have meaning in context. When we read the word saved we automatically think of eternal salvation. That is the way our mind thinks but the word can also mean saving in a lesser manner. Paul was saved from a shipwreck. But the word can also be used in the sense of preservation or even rescue.
And I think in our context this may be the sense of the word and not just eternal salvation.
I told you that our first point this morning was this, Baptism is for our protection against the outside forces of the evil world. The protection is not in the water of baptism but in what the ordinance of baptism represents. What baptism represents is entrance into the covenant community of Christ or as Peter is alluding to here, the New Testament Ark. This would be like the New Testament term “in Christ.” Let’s look at the similarity between the ark of Noah and the Christian life.
1. The ark would float in the roughest of seas. Noah and his family endured the flood in the safety of the ark. All around them was trouble. The rain and the fountains of the deep letting their water loose would have caused quite a stir. If you take the time to read the account of Noah and God’s instructions for building the ark there is something that is missing. There is no instruction about putting a rudder on the ark. In other words God was in total control of the boat and Noah and his family were along for the ride. Likewise we do not steer the ark of Christ but we trust His sovereign will to see us through. Being in Christ is our protection. The water surrounding the ark would kill Noah and his family. Likewise the water around the Christian would kill him or her as well. That is why we stay aboard.
Look at 1 Peter 4:19.
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
2. On board the ark there were provisions for survival for the elect family. Likewise in Christ there are provisions for us surviving the flood of dissapation? Listen to 2 Peter 2:4-10. 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; 7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 8 (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation , and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.
This is our protection that we abide in Christ. Listen to John 15:5.
5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
The admonition is to stay in Christ. In the midst of trial and persecution our only hope is to remain in Christ. To step out for a moments reprieve in this life is to lose your eternal life. All this time Peter has been orienting our minds and hearts to understand that with the Christian life suffering and persecution will often come.
But this is no reason to turn back or shrink back. Listen to Hebrews 10:32-39.
32 But remember the former days, when , after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. 38 BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH;
AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
We have seen that baptism is for our protection against the outside forces of the evil world. Next I want you to see that:
2. Baptism is for our protection against falling away in the midst of persecution.
Look at verse 21 and 22 with me.
21 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, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Notice the phrase an appeal to God for a good conscience in verse 21.
Here our baptism is an appeal or prayer to God for a good conscience in the midst of this persecution. Look at 1 Peter 3:15-16 for a similar use of the phrase good conscience.
15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Here the phrase is squarely in the context of answering those in opposition. It is a reliance on God to endure to the end.
The danger of falling away in the midst of suffering is real. Peter is telling them that there baptism is a response to God for a good conscience. In other words they have done no evil to bring this suffering on themselves but rather are suffering for doing good. What they keep in mind is that Christ also suffered for doing good. Christ also endured to the end in the midst of great tribulation. And Christ had already experienced what we had to look forward to seeing at a point in time. Look at the rest of verse 21 and 22.
21 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, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Here Peter informs us where the power to endure comes from. It is through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And on top of this we understand who is in control. Look at verse 22.
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Christ is in ultimate control as to what happens to His body. Therefore we can rest in the assurance that Christ loves us, gave Himself for us, and will ultimately vindicate us. We can face persecution with a good conscience because we know that it is Christ who empowers us and has ordained this persecution so that we might effectively proclaim the Good News of salvation found only in the
This whole time in this letter Peter has been preparing us for this moment to instill in us our need to trust in God when persecution comes. We can not stand against the Goliath of suffering in our own strength. We can not endure the reviling and slander by intestinal fortitude. There must be something more. Dr. Peter has given us the prescription. Turn your Bible a few pages back to 1:5. Peter tells us as a result of God’s great salvation we are those… 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
After he points us back to God and to remember to trust in Him alone Peter then calls us to spiritual preparation. Look at verse 13.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
In 2:6 Peter tells us that those of us who trust in Christ Jesus will never be ashamed.
6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
And the reason we will never be put to shame is not because we will not suffer but rather because it is Christ who guards us. Look at 2:25.
25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
And then in preparation for persecution and suffering Peter gives us 3:14-15.
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;
And finally we are to always keep in the forefront of our mind the reality of the possibility for suffering and understand that if it does happen then it is our heavenly Father’s will. Look at verse 17.
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Conclusion
We have seen that baptism is for our protection against the outside forces of the evil world and Baptism is for our protection against falling away in the midst of persecution.
The series on suffering as evangelism would not be complete without the promise of protection by our faithful father. This is the promise. No matter what we have to endure on behalf of our Lord we have the promise of His eternal protection. Now does it make sense why Peter tells us in chapter one that our inheritance is stored up in Heaven? That is why Jesus told us to not store up treasures on earth where moth destroys and thieves break in and steal but rather store them up in heaven where it is protected for eternity.
And while we are on the subject of baptism, maybe one of you realizes your need for baptism. You have repented of sins and are trusting in Christ by faith for salvation alone but you have yet to be baptized. See me or one of the elders or your father or mother after the service.
Let me close by reading you the words of one of my favorite hymns that we sing here quite often. It really summarizes all that I have tried to say today about this passage. It is “How Firm a Foundation.”
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
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