“And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you – not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience – through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” – 1 Peter 3:21 (New American Standard Bible).

Peter just finished talking about how the flood waters of Noah’s day carried Noah and his family to safety (1 Peter 3:20). So in a sense, the water saved them.  Obviously, it was GOD who saved them, but he used the ark and the water to do it.

Peter says the flood water of Noah corresponds to the water of baptism – it takes people to salvation. It’s not that the water itself saves anyone, it’s GOD who does the saving, but he uses the water to do his work. Just as God honored Noah’s faith in God to save him by use of the flood waters; so he honors the baptismal candidate’s faith in Christ to save him by use of the baptismal waters.

It is ironic that many Bible commentators and Pastors blatantly contradict Peter here. Peter says, “Baptism now saves you.” But many commentators and Pastors say, “Baptism does NOT save you!” They simply can’t accept Peter’s teaching, even though it is inspired scripture - it doesn’t fit their theology. So, they contradict Peter and return to their “Ask Jesus into your heart” doctrine – which is not found in anywhere in scripture.

It always amazes me when people can look at a scripture – any scripture – and say the exact opposite of what it says – and feel perfectly okay with that.

Now right about here, someone will ask, “Are you saying I’m not saved if I’m not baptized?” You can’t imagine how many times I’ve heard this question. My first inclination is to retort with, “Are you saying you won’t accept clear scripture?” But usually that approach doesn’t work!

So, I normally say something like, “You know, it’s not my place to judge who is saved or who is lost. Only God can do that. If he chooses to save people apart from or before baptism, that’s up to him. I can only teach the straight truth about baptism as it is written in the Bible.” Most people are content with this.

After all, only God can decide who is saved or lost. But in the meantime, why don’t we simply accept what Peter says (above) about baptism, and hasten to be baptized and encourage others to do the same.

Obeying God is always the right thing to do.