It is true that for the mature Christian, too much time spent studying the subject of baptism isn’t necessarily time well spent. Does this mean it’s not important? Of course not! But as the Hebrew writer explains in Hebrews 6:1-2, the “doctrine of baptism” is considered one of the “elementary principles of Christ”. Simply put, if we spent all our time studying the basic principles of Christianity, then we would never grow and mature in the Word. This is what the Hebrew writer is referring to. However, the doctrine of baptism is, without a doubt, the most debated and disagreed upon doctrine that the Church has with the rest of the religious world. Spend any amount of time in online forums or having conversations with just about anyone you know, and this will be evident. The fingers of Calvinism have woven their way into the religious world so greatly, that most people don’t even realize that it’s Calvinism they believe.
To us, some things seem so obvious that we can’t seem to understand why someone wouldn’t understand it. 1 Peter 3:21 must be the most perplexing to me. It says, “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.” I used to think, as maybe some of you did, that you could show this verse to someone and they would instantly understand, but that is not so. Arguments are made by some that Peter is referring to Holy Spirit baptism here that saves us. So, which is it? Water or Holy Spirit? The fact is stated clearly that baptism saves us, but which baptism?
There are many points to consider, but for now just consider the words “eight souls were saved through water”. The KJV says they were saved “by” water. But what does that mean? Weren’t Noah and his family saved by God on the ark FROM the water that killed everyone else? No. In fact, what Peter is getting at here is that Noah and his family were saved from the great wickedness and evil that was on the earth at that time (Genesis 6:5). They were saved by the water because God used it to separate Noah and his family from an evil, sin filled world. And just as Peter says, there is an antitype (corresponding reality) to that that saves us, baptism! Water baptism is the means that God has chosen to save us, through Jesus Christ, from our sin! The context demands water baptism, not Holy Spirit baptism.
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