Are We Saved By Water Baptism?

Dear Saints,

Are we saved by water baptism? In other words, is water baptism required to enter into eternal life and be with Christ forever?

I get it. You are saying why are you asking me these hard questions like the last study on whether there is second chance for salvation after death. Simple. We are doing Bible study. We need answers to hard questions we encounter as we read the Bible.

As we continue our study of 1 Peter, we see another difficult passage. Let's hear Apostle Peter:

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 

21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him."   1 Peter 3:18-22.

In the above passage, and in the context of Noah trusting God and being saved from the flood water, Peter mentions "baptism" that saves us. Does baptism save us? No, it does not. 

Let’s define “baptism.”

“The word “Baptism” is a transliteration of the Greek word BAPTIZO which means to immerse.”

In the Bible, especially in the New Testament, there are many uses of the word baptism. Generally it is used to indicate water baptism or spiritual baptism like being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

In this 1 Peter 3:21 passage, I take it that Peter is referring to water baptism since before he referenced the flood water. It could be either water or spiritual baptism. Let’s stay with water baptism.

Immersion into water cannot save or grant anyone eternal life. We are saved by faith alone in Christ’s substitutionary death, burial and resurrection. Ephesians 2:8-9:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Peter, to his credit, clarifies what he meant as follows; “baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God).” Peter says the most immersion in water can do is remove dirt from your body. 

In addition, Peter says there is an answer here: "good conscience toward God” since we are reconciled to God through Christ’s resurrection. Trusting the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is the means of our salvation from the wrath of God that is coming on the whole world for disobedience/sin.

Water Baptism is an outward physical symbol of Christ's resurrection from the dead. In water baptism, we publicly declare our death to sin, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Repentance from sin and trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross saves us. Baptism is an act of surrender and obedience to Christ.

Yes, I hear you. The thief on the cross was not baptized and is in heaven with Jesus. That is the point because baptism does not save us. But you have the time, and you are not on the cross. Unlike the thief on the cross, you have more than a few seconds before death.

I know we have various traditions for water baptism. I will encourage us to be baptized, especially by immersion. Consider water baptism if you have acknowledged that you are a sinner, repented, and trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

I do not think water was sprinkled on Jesus at the river Jordan during His baptism. I believe Jesus was immersed in the water. He is our example.

Also, keep in mind that baptism is part of Christ's great commission to us:

"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen." Matthew 28:18-20.

Note that making disciples is the emphasis in this great commission to evangelize. You first become a disciple of Christ, a follower of Christ, then you are baptized in obedience and surrender to Christ. Baptism does not make you a disciple. 

Apostle Paul will remind us that he was not sent to baptize (see 1 Corinthians 1:13-17) but to preach the power of the Gospel that saves us:

"I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you who are in Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:14-17.

Are you ashamed of the Gospel of Christ? When was the last time you explained faith in Christ to someone who has never trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior?

Are you living by sight or by faith? The eyes of faith see the power of God to accomplish all things, especially reaching people for Christ.

So, why is there a big fuss on this topic of baptism? Bottom-line. Baptism does not save us from sin and its consequences. We must not assure anyone that they will be in heaven because they were baptized. Anybody can be sprinkled or dunked in water at an uncle’s church; it does not mean they have eternal life. 

Jesus said, “You must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.” ^“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Have you believed the Gospel -  trust Jesus Christ? If so, you now have eternal life and you can get baptized. We thank God for you.

Lord, please help us to do your will and allow your Holy Spirit to work through us. Amen.

What is the one impossible thing you are believing God for? I hope it is the salvation of someone you think is very lost. I challenge you to pray/speak and see this person in the eyes of faith for the Gospel to save them. The "Gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes." AMEN.