Living In The End Times (4:7-11)

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

Living In The End Times (4:7-11)

In 1 Pe 4:2, Peter wrote concerning the Christian that, "...he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." As an impetus to live out one's time in the flesh for the will of God, one should remember that we are living in the "end times" - 1 Pe 4:7a ("But the end of all things is at hand;"). It might be that Peter actually had reference in this text to the destruction of Jerusalem. Which was the end of the temple, the Levitical priesthood, and of the Jewish economy. As MacKnight points out in his commentary: "This epistle being written A.D.67, about a year after the war with the Romans began, which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Jewish state, Peter, who had heard his Master's prophecy concerning these events, and concerning the signs of their approach, had good reason to say, that they had approached."

But whether Peter has in mind the destruction of Jerusalem, or the Lord's second coming, we can still say "the end of all things is at hand"... For even if the Lord Himself does not return for another two thousand years, the time is not long when we who are alive today will be "in the flesh" no more. With every passing day, "our salvation is nearer than when we first believed", and the "end" draws ever closer. How then should we live out the rest of our time, living as we do in the "end times"?

Verses 7-11 provides guidance to "Living In The End Times" and we notice right away that it should involve prayer that is serious and alert, verse (7), “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:”

Peter stresses seriousness throughout his epistle. The word here is sophroneo {so-fron-eh'-o}, which means to be in one's right mind; to exercise self control:

1) to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of one's self soberly

2) to curb one's passions

Words closely related to this are found in 1 Pe 1:13 “Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”; 5:8 “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” (note the word "sober").

This quality is needed especially in our prayers. Otherwise we cannot pray as we ought - Ep 6:18 “with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,”. That is, with praying that is "watchful" - Lk 21:34-36 “But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man”. Serious, watchful praying is necessary, therefore, or we might not be ready for that which will come.

As we continue in our text, we see that "Living In The End Times" also calls for a love that is fervent & forgiving, verse (8) “above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:”

This is the second time Peter commands "fervent love". The first time was in 1 Pe 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:”. We defined "fervent" as "constant" or "earnest". Here Peter tells us to make such "fervent love" the number one priority ("above all things have fervent love..."). This is reminiscent of Paul's words in Co 3:14 “and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.” And perhaps a reflection of Jesus' words in Mt 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.”

The need for such "fervent love" is seen in its power to forgive. "for love will cover a multitude of sins". This appears to be a reference to Pro 10:12 ("love covers all sins"). To "cover sin" does not mean to ignore it, but as used by James it suggests "fervent love" does what is necessary to restore and forgive the sinner - Ja 5:19-20 “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.”

As the "time of the end" draws near, and the Day of Judgment looms closer, how important it is that we have the kind of love for one another which will encourage us all to get rid of sin in our lives! As a further expression of "fervent love for one another", "Living In The End Times" will also involve hospitality that is gracious, verse (9) “using hospitality one to another without murmuring:”


This is an unusual use of the word "hopitality. For the word is philoxenos {fil-ox'-en-os}. It literally means "love of strangers""of the household of faith", our own brethren! - Ga 6:10 “ and is normally used in reference to kindness to those we don't know. But here Peter applies it to our love towards brethren. But if we are to show kindness to those we don't know, how much more towards those who are So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.”

There is always a need for hospitality, as our love for one another is a sign of true discipleship - Jn 13:34-35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.” But there may be a special need as "the end draws near". Several passages suggest that persecution of the saints will increase before Christ returns (so as I understand Re 20:7-9 “And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them.” ). In any period of persecution, when some Christians lose all they have, other Christians need to be ready to provide for their needs - Mt 25:34-40 “ Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.”

For hospitality to be true and sincere, it must be "without grumbling". If one shows kindness with a begrudging spirit, can it be said they truly have a love of strangers (or brethren)? Only by placing a higher premium on our brethren than we do on our possessions can we show hospitality without grumbling.

Finally, in keeping with our Lord's charge to "Do business till I come" (Lk 19:13), "Living In The End Times" requires that we offer service that glorifies God, verses (10-11) “according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Each person can perform a valuable service by the grace of God, which is "manifold" (multi-faceted), where there are various ways one can serve God. And each of us are to be "good stewards" (accountable servants) of whatever gifts or abilities we may have. Even as Paul wrote to the brethren at Rome in Ro 12:3-8 “For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

With two examples, Peter illustrates the kind of service that glorifies God. Those that speak should speak "as the oracles of God". Understanding that they are speaking for God, they should speak only that which God Himself has revealed, with "sound speech that cannot be condemned" - Ti 2:7-8 “in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.” Those that minister (serve) do so with the ability or strength supplied by God Himself! Certainly not with slothfulness - Ro 12:11 “in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”

"Living In The End Times", then, is living with the recognition that to God (and Jesus Christ) "belong the glory and dominion forever and ever". With that recognition, we will be careful to develop:

1) Prayer that is serious and alert

2) Love that is fervent and forgiving

3) Hospitality that is gracious

4) Service that glorifies God
How are you living now that "the end of all things is at hand"? Are you glorifying God through Jesus Christ

The Militant Christian

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

The Militant Christian (1 Peter 4:1-6)

It is quite common today to pick up the newspaper and read about the violent actions of those referred to as "militant fundamentalists". Sometimes the phrase has reference to extremists of the Islamic faith, engaged in what they call "Jihad" (holy war, or struggle). But there also times when it is applied to professing Christians, who resort to physical violence in support of their cause (for example, the radical pro-life movement).

As true followers of the "Prince of Peace" we must remember that the Kingdom is spiritual, and therefore not expanded through carnal means - Jn 18:36 “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” We should keep in mind the words of our Savior: "...for all who take sword will perish by the sword." - Mt 26:52. But this is not to say we do not have a true struggle, nor weapons with which to fight... We are engaged in a spiritual struggle, both without and within - Ep 6:12 “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”; 1 Pe 2:12 “having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

We have in our arsenal weapons that are "mighty in God" - 2 Co 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;”. Indeed, as we enter the fourth chapter of 1st Peter, we see that Christians are to "arm" themselves in their service to the Lord - 1 Pe 4:1 “Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;”. So in one sense, there is such a thing as "The Militant Christian"; but it is important that we properly understand in what sense we are to be militant in our service to the Lord

Using 1 Pe 4:1-6 as our text, I would first point out that "The Militant Christian" is to be armed with the mind of Christ, verse (1) “Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;”

A mind willing to suffer is the attitude Peter wants us to have, which was the attitude of Christ Himself - 1 Pe 2:21-23 “who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”; 3:18“ Because Christ also suffered for sins once, 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;”

There are two reasons we should be willing to suffer, "since Christ suffered for us". He died for us, that we might live for righteousness - 1 Pe 2:24 “who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed.” Is it asking too much that we might be willing to endure hardship for His sake?Note also, "he who suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin". One who endures hardship for Christ is not likely to allow sin to have dominance in his or her life. "One who has embraced the mind of Christ, and whose life is so influenced by him that he suffers persecution is not in danger of succumbing to the weaker temptations of the flesh. To such an individual these allurements lose their appeal. Martyrs, in the hour of persecution and death, do not toy with temptation or surrender to the seductions of the world!" - Guy N. Woods.

Armed with the mind of Christ, which includes a willingness to suffer for doing good, "The Militant Christian" is also to be militant in his struggle against sin, see verses (2-3). “that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries:”

Here is where the major battle is to be fought. A battle between one's soul and fleshly lusts - 1 Pe 2:12 “having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Unless we first win the battle for our own soul, we are not likely to be of much help in winning the souls of others! Therefore we need to remove the plank out of our own eye first - Mt 7:3-5 “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Only by first being "spiritual" ourselves are we prepared to help others - Ga 6:1 “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Many immature Christians begin fighting a "spiritual warfare" with others too soon, and lose the "spiritual warfare" within themselves in the process!

In our motivation for this struggle against sin we have wasted enough of our lifetime doing what is called "the will of the Gentiles", which is briefly summarized in verse 3. What Paul calls the "works of the flesh" in Ga 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Now it is time to live out the rest of our life for "the will of God", briefly summarized in verses 7-11 (which will be considered more carefully in the next lesson).

As we think of ourselves "standing strong for the faith" and "fighting the good fight", let's not forget that the battle begins within ourselves. Unless the Christian is first militant in "crucifying the flesh" and "putting to death the deeds of the body", he or she is not likely to have the "spiritual fortitude" necessary to prevent killing one's self in the "battle for truth"2 Ti 2:24-26 “ (note And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will.”).

When "The Militant Christian" is living out the rest of his or her life for the will of God, we need to be prepared for the fact that we will likely be maligned, verse (4) “wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:”

Our former companions will think us "strange", because we no longer join with them in their sin. Unable to persuade us from our new course, they may resort to "speaking evil of you". Some young Christians are troubled by this "peer pressure", but when maligned we have reason to rejoice - Mt 5:11-12 “Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.”; 1 Pe 4:13-14 “but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.” Our response is to be one of love and honorable conduct - Mt 5:44“ but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;”; 1 Pe 2:12“ having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Who knows? Perhaps our conduct will lead one day to their glorifying God!

Yes, "The Militant Christian" is likely to be thought of by others as a "fanatic", but I believe that deep down even those who malign us the most have respect for our convictions when held with the proper spirit on our part.

Finally, taking a clue from the comments of Peter in verses 5-6, let me suggest that "The Militant Christian" is one who is willing to let God be the judge, (5-6) “who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead. For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”

Verse 6 is another one of "Peter's perplexing passages".. Especially the phrase "the gospel was also preached to those who are dead". Some think Peter is referring back to his comments in 1 Pe 3:18-20... If so, then the "spirits in prison" would be human spirits, not angelic spirits (as I suggested in my earlier lesson). If so, then the preaching of the gospel was:

1) Not an offer of salvation (i.e., a second chance).

2) But a proclamation of what Christ has done, explaining how Christ has redeemed the O.T. faithful, and why others remain condemned.

3) Note that they were still "judged according to men in the flesh" (how they lived in the flesh), though they now "live according to God in the spirit".

Others believe Peter is simply referring to the preaching of the gospel... To people when they were alive, but who are now among the dead.

Either way, as "militant Christians, wee must remember who is the Judge... God is the judge of those who are "outside" - 1 Co 5:12-13 “For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.” They will have to "give an account to Him who is ready to judge..." - 1 Pe 4:5. We must therefore be willing to let God be the judge... In other words, leave vengeance to God - Ro 12:19 “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.” God will apply the "justice" when necessary, we are called upon to offer His "mercy" until then, through the preaching of the gospel and through living lives of kindness and mercy - Ro 12:20-21 “But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

There is a place, then, for "militancy" in the life of the Christian! But it is to be found in the way we "arm" ourselves with the mind of Christ... "Fighting" the spiritual warfare that wages within. "Militant" in our efforts to live the godly life, do going and showing mercy. Are you "fighting the good fight of faith"? Are you even in the Lord's army...?

The Antitype in which God Saves Us (1 Peter 3:21-22) - Part Two

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?

The Antitype in which God Saves Us (3:21-22)

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

The Antitype in which God Saves Us (3:21-22)

In the midst of a section in which he is discussing Christ's suffering and why we need to prepare for suffering, Peter has some revealing comments on the subject of baptism - 1 Pe 3:21-22 “which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; who is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” First, he refers to baptism as an "antitype" ("the like figure", KJV). Then he makes the striking comment that baptism "saves us". He describes baptism as "the answer of a good conscience". But he also says that baptism saves us "through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"

Any one of these four points is likely to perplex those who read this passage. Some may wonder what’s an "antitype" or “like figure”. Others may take issue with the idea that baptism has anything to do with salvation. Many question what is meant by the phrase, "the answer of a good conscience". And how does the resurrection of Christ have anything to do with salvation, when it was His death that provided the forgiveness of sins?

In this lesson, I hope to share some thoughts which may help us appreciate more fully how baptism is indeed "The Antitype In Which God Saves Us", beginning with baptism as an “antitype”. The Greek word for “antitype” is antitupon {an-teet'-oo-pon}, which means "a thing formed after some pattern; that which corresponds to a type". So you have two things that some how relate or correspond to each other; one is a type, the other is the antitype. Barnes writes, “In the New Testament, however, it is used in a different sense; and (Greek) anti, in composition, implies resemblance, correspondence; and hence the word means, formed after a type or model; like; corresponding; that which corresponds to a type. Rob. Lex. The word occurs only in this place and #Heb 9:24, rendered figures.”

H i How is baptism an antitype in our text. The waters of the flood are the "type", and the waters of baptism are the "antitype" - 1 Pe 3:20-21“which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; who is one the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”

In his commentary, Barnes says, "The meaning here is, that baptism corresponded to, or had a resemblance to, the water by which Noah was saved; or that there was a use of water in the one case which corresponded in some respects to the water that was used in the other; to wit, in effecting salvation." (Commentary on 1st Peter) "The apostle does not say that it corresponded in all respects; in respect, e.g., to quantity, or to the manner of the application, or to the efficacy; but there is a sense in which water performs an important part in our salvation, as it did in his." (ibid.) An important part in our salvation? Baptism? This may sound foreign to many people today, but the Bible and many Bible scholars over the history of the church have stressed this very point.

Having introduced our text with some definitions to type and antitype let’s look at baptism and salvation by first looking at the biblical witnesses and record. There are several statements of Jesus that emphasize the necessity of baptism for salvation - Mt 28:18-20 “And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”; Mk 16: 15-16“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.”; Jn 3:3-5“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!”

The record of apostolic preaching as found in the Book of Acts continues this thought - Ac 2:38“And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one 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.”In his epistles, Paul often wrote of the purpose of baptism, and the role it played in salvation -Ro 6:3-6“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 unto 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; knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin;”; Ga 3:26-27“For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.”; Co 2:11-13“in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; 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;”; Ti 3:4-5“But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared, not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” And in our text, we have Peter's own words, which coincide with what he preached on that first Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ - 1 Pe 3:21; Ac 2:38.

We will continue this lesson in a second part. We will start the second part by looking at the testimony of some Bible scholars.