The Antitype in which God Saves Us (1 Peter 3:21-22) - Part Two
In part one of our lesson having introduced our text with some definitions to type and antitype we looked at baptism and salvation by first looking at the biblical witnesses and record. Now let’s look at the testimony of some Bible scholars. Augustine (A.D. 354-430) Referring to the efficacy of baptism, he wrote that "the salvation of man is effected in baptism"; also, that a person "is baptized for the express purpose of being with Christ." (as quoted by Jack W. Cottrell in Baptism And The Remission of Sins, College Press, 1990, p. 30). In regards to the necessity of baptism, he refers to the "apostolic tradition, by which the Churches of Christ maintain it to be an inherent principle, that without baptism...it is impossible for any man to attain to salvation and everlasting life." (ibid., p. 30). Thomas Aquinas (A.D. 1225-1274) "...Men are bound to that without which they cannot obtain salvation. Now it is manifest that no one can obtain salvation but through Christ..."
"But for this end is baptism conferred on a man, that being regenerated thereby, he may be incorporated in Christ."
"Consequently it is manifest that all are bound to be baptized: and that without Baptism there is no salvation for men." (ibid., p. 31). Martin Luther, in answer to the question, "What gifts or benefits does Baptism bestow?", Luther replied in his Small Catechism, "It effects forgiveness of sins." He also wrote concerning the sinner: "Through Baptism he is bathed in the blood of Christ and is cleansed from sins." Again, he wrote: "To put it most simply, the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and purpose of Baptism is to save." In response to those who would call this a kind of works-salvation, he said "Yes, it is true that our works are of no use for salvation. Baptism, however, is not our work but God's." (ibid., p. 32-34).
Indeed, until the "reformed theology" of Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin came along, the general consensus of religious scholars was in harmony with the Bible: that baptism does indeed save us!
But how can that be? The answer can be seen when we consider baptism and the resurrection of Christ. Salvation in baptism is not found in the “water”. As Peter makes clear when he says "not the removal of the filth of the flesh". For indeed it is only through the blood of Jesus Christ we can be saved - Ro 5:8-9 “But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through him.”
Salvation in baptism is possible because of the resurrection of Christ. If He had not been raised, we would still be in our sins - 1 Co 15:17 “and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” But because Jesus was raised from the dead, we who are united together in the likeness of His death (i.e., baptism) can share in the power of His resurrection as we also rise to walk in newness of life - cf. Ro 6:3-5 “Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection;”; Co 2:12-13 “having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, I say, did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;” In other words, it is the same power of God that raised Jesus from the dead which saves us in baptism so we can be "made alive" - Ep 1:19-20 “and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,”; 2:4-6 “but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus:” By God's saving grace and resurrecting power, then, baptism can indeed save us! Not because of any cleansing power in the water, but because of what God is doing at that moment.
But notice finally, what is said about baptism and the appeal for a good conscience, “the answer of a good conscience” (NKJV). This is a difficult phrase, but I believe it most likely means "an appeal to God for a clear conscience". This understanding is supported by the following translations:
"...the craving for a conscience right with God" (Goodspeed)
"...the prayer for a clean conscience before God" (Moffat)
"...the request unto God for a good conscience" (Rotherham)
"...an appeal to God for a clear conscience" (RSV)
"...an appeal to God for a good conscience" (NASV)
This coincides with the purpose of baptism. Baptism was "for the remission of sins", to have one's sins "washed away" (by the blood of Christ, of course) - cf. Ac 2:38 “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”; 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.” Therefore, people in N.T. times who realized they were sinners were anxious to be baptized as soon as possible - cf. Ac 8:35-38 “And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.” To have a good conscience before God (indeed, to a have our conscience "purged" by the blood of Christ - He 9:14“how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”), one is baptized so their sins can be washed away and they can rise to a new life through the same power of God that raised Jesus from the dead!
It is a tragedy that so many people today downplay the importance of baptism. But if we will only allow the Bible to say what it does about baptism, we will see that it is indeed "The Antitype In Which God Saves Us"! And like Martin Luther, we will view baptism as "excellent, glorious, and exalted," as "a most precious thing," as "an infinite, divine treasure." (ibid., p. 34). Verse 21 of our text describes that Christ has now gone into heaven and that all things have been made subject to Him. Have you subjected to His authority by obeying His command to be baptized? - Mt 28:18-20. Have you made that appeal for a good conscience before God?
