Article by: Kenneth J. Ester
Understanding - 1 Peter 3:21
1 Peter 3:21 is often quoted to support the belief that one must be baptized by water to be saved. Let's take a look at what it actually says...
1 Peter 3:21 (NASB)
21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Peter is not talking about the action of the water baptism... not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but he was speaking of what Water Baptism represents, ... but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,... is what saves you. In other words, it is not the act of being baptized by water that saves you, but it is "why" you are being baptized by water that saves you. That "why" is because you believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and therefore are desiring to do the thing He commanded you to do. Get baptized by water!
1 Peter 3:21 (NASB)
21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Peter is not talking about the action of the water baptism... not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but he was speaking of what Water Baptism represents, ... but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,... is what saves you. In other words, it is not the act of being baptized by water that saves you, but it is "why" you are being baptized by water that saves you. That "why" is because you believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and therefore are desiring to do the thing He commanded you to do. Get baptized by water!