The like figure whereunto even baptism
doth also now save us (not the putting away of
the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good
conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of
Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 3:21
VI. Although often quoted by the Church of Christ, this verse makes it clear that baptism does NOT "put away the filth of the flesh."
A. It is a "figure" or "likeness" of what Christ has done for us. He put away "the filth of the flesh… by the resurrection."
B. This verse also settles the question of Acts 22:16.
1. Does baptism literally wash away sins?
2. No. It is a figurative washing, a symbol or likeness.
C. Just as baptism is only a picture of "washing away the filth of the flesh," so it is only a picture of our salvation.
D. Paul makes this very clear in Romans 6.
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as
were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized
into his death?.
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism
into death: that like as Christ was raised up
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even
so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the
likeness of his death, we shall be also[in the
likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified
with him, that the body of sin might be
destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve
sin.
Romans 6
1. Christians were not literally crucified with Christ.
2. Christians were not literally buried with Christ.
3. Christians were not literally raised with Christ.
4. All of these are portrayed in the "likeness" of baptism.
5. Baptism is a picture:
a. First of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
b. And second of our own death, burial, and resurrection.
6. The picture is not what saves us. Our repentance and faith in His death, burial, and resurrection does.
7. Baptism is our obedience to and public proclamations of Jesus Christ. That being the case, it is understandable that there are examples throughout the New Testament of obedient Christians being baptized in Jesus’ name.
