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An Inquiry of God

“…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21

There is a fascinating nuance in the mention of baptism by Peter in this passage. He is discussing how the flood experience of Noah is similar to our salvation experience. Noah and his family were carried above or through the water. We are baptized in the waters of baptism, symbolizing our dying with Christ, but then we are brought up out, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus. And Peter says, this baptism is not the removal of dirt from our body, like a bath, but literally an “inquiry toward God for a clear conscience.” Our humble appeal to God is that He take action to make us clean through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This is a great reminder that our salvation is a work of God and not because of actions on our part. Our baptism is a sign, a symbol, a demonstration, of our appeal to God to do a work in our lives to take away our sins and make us whole.

Prayer Focus: Lord, thank You that our baptism is more than a ritual. It is a sign for us and to others, that we are a very needy people who can be saved by making our appeal to You. And everyone is the same before You. No matter who we are or what we have done, when we make our appeal to You, You save us. Thank You for being such an amazing God.

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