“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21 ESV).
In this verse, Peter drew a comparison between baptism and Noah’s flood. Just as Noah and his family were saved through the waters of the flood by being safely in the ark, so we are saved through the judgment Christ bore for us when we are united to Him by faith. The flood was God’s judgment on a sinful world, yet He preserved Noah by providing the ark as the appointed means of salvation. Likewise, Christ is our Ark. Baptism “corresponds to this,” not because the physical water saves, but because it signifies our identification with Jesus in His death and resurrection. Peter clarified that it is “not as a removal of dirt from the body,” but as “an appeal to God for a good conscience” — a heart response of faith. True salvation is accomplished “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Baptism, therefore, symbolizes this saving union with Christ, reminding us that just as Noah passed through judgment safely in the ark, so we are saved through the judgment Christ endured for us.
Baptism reminds us that salvation comes not by our works, but by trusting wholly in God’s provision—Christ Jesus, our Ark. Therefore, we can live with confident assurance, knowing that just as Noah was secure “in” the ark while judgment fell, so we are safe “in” Christ. As Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Since we are united with Christ by faith, we no longer live under fear or guilt. We are called to walk in newness of life, maintaining a clear conscience by resting daily in His finished work. Like Noah, we can stand firm by faith and boldly proclaim that salvation is found in Christ alone. Baptism reminds us that just as our former life has died and been buried with Christ, so our new life has been raised with Him. Baptism points to Christ as our Ark!
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for providing Christ as our Ark. Help us walk with confident assurance, a clear conscience, and boldness to proclaim Christ’s salvation to others. Empower us to stand firm in faith, even when it is unpopular. In Jesus’ name, Amen.