Baptism & the Flood

(2 Minute Read. 27Jan2021)

Jordan River baptismal site in Israel

I have witnessed or participated in many baptisms over the years. Often a brief exposition of a Bible passage accompanies the baptism.

But there is a Bible passage on baptism that I have never heard expounded at a baptism ceremony. Can you guess what it is?

It is a New Testament passage that refers to what is probably the most challenged and scorned book of the Old Testament. And it references one of the most amazing events of world history — which many people refuse to believe happened — despite there being over 200 versions of the event among people groups worldwide.

Can you think of the passage to which I’m referring?

Here is the oft-ignored passage:
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which He also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison, who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 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, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him. (1 Peter 3:18-22)

The Apostle Peter clearly believed in the Great Flood, in Noah, and in the Ark — so much so that he grounded his teaching about baptism on that history.

Peter compares safely passing through the Flood waters with the rite of water baptism saving people. He specifies that the baptismal salvation is not the result of washing with water but rather what the rite signifies — an appeal to God through faith in the resurrected Son of God.

It’s a missed opportunity that churches don’t habitually include 1 Peter 3:18-22 at every baptism. The brief passage is acutely relevant, and it would underscore Genesis and its historicity. With so few Bible verses specifically about baptism, you’d think this Scripture would not be repeatedly overlooked.

Questions to Ponder

1. What does baptism mean to you?
2. What Bible passage do you hear used most often in baptismal services?

Share your thoughts on these questions in the comments below. It could encourage or help another reader.

For Christ and His Kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria. Alere Flammam Veritatis.

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©William T. Pelletier, Ph.D.
“contending earnestly for the faith”
“destroying speculations against the knowledge of God”
“for the defense of the gospel”
(Jude 1:3; 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 1:16)
Wednesday January 27, 2021 A.D.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. (Romans 6:3-5 ESV)

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