What does Baptism have to do with Salvation?

A little boy came forward after VBS and confused the teacher. He said, I want to get advertised. The teacher tried to understand what the child intended. Finally the child pointed to the baptismal and said, I want to get ADVERTISED. While it may have been a slip of the tongue it truly revealed an understanding. God wants people to be His children and He wants other people to know about His love for His children and for them! Baptism while sacred can also be thought of as an ADVERTISEMENT of God’s tremendous love and salvation!

If you are a believer but haven’t been baptized, I hope after today, you will talk with your heavenly Father and make it a point to get ADVERTISED.

If you have been considering salvation but think you have to do something other then make the decision to believe and receive God’s gift, you will understand and become a child of God today. Let’s look at the passage.

1 Peter 3:20–22 (CSB)

20 who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few—that is, eight people—were saved through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not as the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.

Main Point:

Baptism is a powerful symbol of being saved through Jesus. It shows our commitment to Him and celebrates how God saves and protects us.

Saved in the Ark as God cleansed the earth from the wickedness

What this passage teaches about Baptism.

1. Baptism is a Picture of Salvation: (corresponds or a “type”: antitypos)

1a. The Flood.

The whole world needed to die and be reborn. Just as Noah and his family were saved from the floodwaters, baptism shows how we are saved through Jesus. Only those who believed built the ark and were sealed from the cataclysm. The water cleansed the earth from sin and offered new life. That happens when we “enter” into a relationship with Jesus.

1b. The Exodus.

The Israelites were saved from slavery in Egypt by crossing the Red Sea. Baptism reminds us that God frees us from sin.

1c. The Crossing of the Jordan.

This marked the Israelites entering the Promised Land. Baptism is our step into a new life with God.

2. It’s your Public Pledge of Loyalty to Jesus: (eperotema-pledge v21)

2a. before other believers.

We are one body in Christ. Baptism shows that we are part of God's family.

Romans 12:5 CSB

5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

2b. to angels.

Even the angels see our commitment to Jesus.

2c. to hostile spirits.

Baptism declares that we are on Jesus' side, even against evil forces.

3. It celebrates God’s Protection:

Baptism reminds us that God is with us and protects us, just as He did in the past:

3a. Jesus sealed Noah’s Ark.

Just as God closed the door of the ark to keep Noah safe, baptism shows that God keeps us safe in His care.

Genesis 7:16 (LEB)

16 And those that came, male and female, of every living thing, came as God had commanded him. And Yahweh shut the door behind him.

3b. God claims you and loves you!

Baptism is a sign that God has rescued us from darkness and brought us into His light.

Colossians 1:13 (CSB)

13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.

Even if I fail. He loves you. Even if I don’t feel it? He loves you. Even when I struggle. You belong to Him.

3c. It declares God is for you!

Baptism declares that God is on our side, and no one can stand against us when we are with Him.

Genesis 12:3 CSB

3 I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Romans 8:31 CSB

31 What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Baptism is not what produces salvation. It “saves” us in that it first involves or reflects a heart decision: a pledge of loyalty to the risen Savior. In effect, baptism in New Testament theology is a loyalty oath, a public avowal of who is on the Lord’s side in the cosmic war between good and evil.

Early Baptismal services had the candidate specifically renounce the Devil:

The Apostolic Tradition (circa A.D. 215)

Attributed to Hippolytus of Rome, this document includes a specific renunciation of Satan as part of the baptismal rite:

Apostolic Tradition 21:8-9: "Then the presbyter takes hold of each of those to be baptized, one by one, and asks them to renounce, saying: 'Do you renounce Satan, and all his works, and all his angels, and all his service, and all his pride?' And the one being baptized shall say: 'I renounce him.'"

 Every baptism is a reiteration of their doom in the wake of the gospel and the kingdom of God. Early baptismal formulas included a renunciation of Satan and his angels for this very reason. Baptism was  — and still is — spiritual warfare.

So take heart to the thought that God does not give you guilt to control you. He may redirect you. Guilt is the Devil’s weapon to dishearten and destroy you by bringing up your past.

But like the old saying goes, “Every time the Devil brings up your past, you remind him of his future!”

You are for God now and God is for you!

Application Points:

Understand the Meaning of Baptism: Know that baptism is more than just getting wet; it’s a way to show everyone that Jesus has saved you and you belong to Him.

Take the Step of Baptism: If you haven’t been baptized yet, consider doing it as a public declaration of your faith in Jesus.

Live Out Your Commitment: Remember that baptism is just the beginning. Keep growing in your faith and following Jesus every day.

Celebrate God’s Protection: Be thankful that God is with you, protecting you, and guiding you in your life.

Conclusion:

Baptism is a beautiful and powerful symbol of what it means to be saved by Jesus. It’s not just a ritual but a declaration of our faith and God’s love and protection over us. If you believe in Jesus and haven’t been baptized, think about making this important step in your faith journey.

Have you made that conscious commitment to follow Jesus?