THURSDAY October 15, 2026

Does Baptism Save Us?

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, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
1 Peter 3:21-22

Again, it is very important that we understand what Peter was teaching, as these verses are some of the most difficult and controversial Scriptures in the New Testament. There are people who will literally use 1 Peter 3:19-22 as a foundation of doctrine for people to be saved through baptism. This is not true. The Scriptures do not teach that we are saved through baptism––it is not something that can be proven doctrinally.

What Peter taught was that the flood waters came, but Noah and his family were safe inside the ark. The waters became a type of water baptism, but it is not the water that saves us, but Christ who resurrected and is seated in the heavens at the right hand of God. He is able to save us. Listen to Charles Spurgeon who said, “Baptism is linked with faith. Applying water in any way whatsoever cannot wash away a single sin.” I love that. We are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

There are many types as well as symbolism in the Bible that we need to understand. Listen to the Apostle Paul further explain about the symbolism found in baptism:

...do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).

When you are baptized as a Christian, you need to understand that when you go under the water, it is only symbolic of dying with Christ. You are dying to the old man with his sinful passions. When you are raised back up from the water, it is symbolic of Christ’s Resurrection and the new spiritual life that you have in Him.

Baptism is a sweet emblem of my death to all the world!
May I, from now on, live only for Jesus!
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!