David: Possibly you have misunderstood what Paul is saying here? The commentaries of both Matthew Henry and John MacArthur say, as Paul says, "The baptism spoken of in this verse is not with water. The outward ceremony can only remove dirt from the external parts of the flesh. The baptism spoken of here is a figurative immersion into Christ that results in a good conscience." We know the ark saved Noah from God's judgment during the flood, and that we are more eternally secure being baptized into Christ than Noah was temporarily secure riding out the flood in the ark. We can have a good conscience because we have died to self and now live for Him. Water baptism simply testifies to what has happened within us spiritually. It is the first step we take as we go into all the world.
The Scriptures teach that baptism saves us. That's hard for most Protestants to swallow, but that is what the Scriptures teach. What we need to do is understand what the Bible means by this teaching, not deny that the Bible teaches it. ... even BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 3:21 KJV) Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
