{"id":1490,"date":"2023-01-02T18:41:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-02T18:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/?p=1490"},"modified":"2024-01-16T19:13:13","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T19:13:13","slug":"is-the-doctrine-of-baptismal-regeneration-the-road-to-hell-post-39-exegesis-of-1-peter-321-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/?p=1490","title":{"rendered":"Is the Doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration the Road to Hell? – Post 39 (Exegesis of 1 Peter 3:21 – Part 1)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

INTRODUCTION<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some use 1 Peter 3:21 as a text to support the doctrine of baptismal regeneration.  For example, Dr. Jack Cottrell uses this text in his book Baptism \u2013 Biblical Study (College Press Publishing, Joplin, MO (1989) [7th<\/sup> printing in 2006]) to support the doctrine of baptismal regeneration.  On 154, Dr. Cottrell writes [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

In this chapter we have made four points.  First, we have seen that 1 Peter 3:21 states unequivocally that baptism saves.<\/u><\/strong>  Second, from the standpoint of the human participant, it saves insofar as it is an appeal to God from Him to do what He has promised to do for our salvation.  Third, our appeal in baptism specifically is for a good conscience, which comes about through the gift of forgiveness of sins.  Finally, the ultimate saving power of baptism is derived from the resurrection of Christ, who as the risen and reigning Lord has the authority to distribute the gifts of salvation as He chooses.  And as this passage shows, He chooses to do so in Christian baptism.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Post 39 reports the results of my observation of the broader literary context of 1 Peter 3:12-22, as well as 1 Peter 3:21.  My main takeaways from my observation are set forth below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, even in the face of intimidation, a believer must not fear being zealous for doing what is good with a good conscience for the sake of righteousness (vv. 13-14).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, a believer should continue to become more holy always being ready to present the saving gospel of Jesus Christ with gentleness and respect (v. 15).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, Christ, who was just, died for the sins of the unjust and rose from the grave so as to provide the opportunity for salvation to all of mankind (v. 18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth, this post will not address Christ preaching to the spirits in prison (vv. 19-20a).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth, only eight persons were brought through the flood of Genesis (v. 20b).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sixth, by writing v. 21, Peter intended to convey to his original audience was that spiritual baptism (immersion) saves (not water baptism) wherein that spiritual baptism (immersion) occurs upon a person responding to the gospel call by exercising biblical saving faith alone in the resurrected, ascended Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OBSERVATION OF BROADER TEXT \u2013 1 PETER 3:13-22<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The broader literary context of 1 Peter 3:13\u201322 (NASB95) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

13<\/sup> Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14<\/sup> But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you<\/em> are<\/em> blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15<\/sup> but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being<\/em> ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16<\/sup> and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17<\/sup> For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18<\/sup> For Christ also died for sins once for all, the<\/em> just for the<\/em> unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19<\/sup> in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now<\/em> in prison, 20<\/sup> 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<\/em> water. 21<\/sup> Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you\u2014not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience\u2014through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22<\/sup> who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

First, even in the face of intimidation, a believer must not fear being zealous for doing what is good with a good conscience for the sake of righteousness (vv. 13-14).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, a believer should continue to become more holy always being ready to present the saving gospel of Jesus Christ with gentleness and respect (v. 15).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, Christ, who was just, died for the sins of the unjust and rose from the grave so as to provide the opportunity for salvation to all of mankind (v. 18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth, this post will not address Christ preaching to the spirits in prison (vv. 19-20a).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth, only eight persons were brought through the flood of Genesis (v. 20b).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OBSERVATION OF 1 PETER 3:21<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Text \u2013 Selected Translations and Nestle-Arndt 28th<\/sup> Edition<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Peter 3:21 (NASB95) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

21<\/sup> Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you\u2014not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience\u2014through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In the Wuest translation, 1 Peter 3:21 (WUESTNT) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

which [water] also as a counterpart now saves you, [namely] baptism; not a putting off of filth of flesh, but the witness of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Complete Jewish Bible translation of 1 Peter 3:21 (CJB) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

This also prefigures what delivers us now, the water of immersion, which is not the removal of dirt from the body, but one’s pledge to keep a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Hebrew Names translation of 1 Peter 3:21 (HNV) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

This is a symbol of immersion, which now saves you – not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah,<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

1 Peter 3:21 (NA28) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

21<\/sup> \u1f43 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f51\u03bc\u1fb6\u03c2 \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03af\u03c4\u03c5\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd \u03bd\u1fe6\u03bd \u03c3\u1ff4\u03b6\u03b5\u03b9 \u03b2\u03ac\u03c0\u03c4\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03b1, \u03bf\u1f50 \u03c3\u03b1\u03c1\u03ba\u1f78\u03c2 \u1f00\u03c0\u03cc\u03b8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03c2 \u1fe5\u03cd\u03c0\u03bf\u03c5 \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 \u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u1fc6\u03c2 \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03ce\u03c4\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1 \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03b8\u03b5\u03cc\u03bd, \u03b4\u03b9\u02bc \u1f00\u03bd\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03ac\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 \u1f38\u03b7\u03c3\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03a7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Observation<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My observation of v. 21 is set forth below.  Verse 21 begins with the relative pronoun \u1f43 which the NASB95 translates as \u201cthat.\u201d  It is in the nominative singular neuter.  It appears that \u1f43 refers to \u1f55\u03b4\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2 (water) in the genitive singular neuter in v. 20 so there is agreement in number and gender between \u1f43 and \u1f55\u03b4\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2.  What follows is the Greek adverb \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 which the NASB95 does not translate, but it functions as an emphatic conjunction to add emphasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NASB95 translates the Greek personal pronoun \u1f51\u03bc\u1fb6\u03c2 as \u201cyou,\u201d and it is in the second person accusative plural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NASB95 translates the Greek adjective \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03af\u03c4\u03c5\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd as \u201ccorresponding to.\u201d  It is in the nominative singular neuter.  According to BDAG (Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). In A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature<\/em><\/a> (3rd ed., p. 90). University of Chicago Press) it means, \u201cpert. to that which corresponds to someth. else, adj. corresponding to.\u201d  The USB Translation Handbook (Arichea, D. C., & Nida, E. A. (1980). A handbook on the first letter from Peter<\/em><\/a> (pp. 119\u2013120). United Bible Societies) explains this word:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peter now moves from the past to the present\u2014from the events which occurred during the days of Noah to their meaning and relevance to the present situation of the recipients of the letter. Accordingly, he takes a portion of the past events which he has just mentioned and interprets it as a symbol pointing to<\/em> (literally \u201cantitype\u201d) a part of the Christian experience. In doing this, he is simply following a practice prevalent among New Testament writers (and other biblical interpreters of that time) of taking things, events, and people in the Old Testament and interpreting them as types or symbols corresponding to things, events, and people in the present. The \u201ctype\u201d foreshadows the \u201cantitype,\u201d that is, it is an imperfect symbol of a reality which is now revealed fully in the Christian faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Brill Dictionary of Ancient Greek 3rd<\/sup> Edition by Franco Montaneri (2013 Brill, Boston, MA) on page 210 identifies definitions of \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03af\u03c4\u03c5\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd and related words to include reverberate, echoing, reflective, corresponding, representative, resembling, reciprocal, image, imprint, antitype, and to represent symbolically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next comes the Greek adverb \u03bd\u1fe6\u03bd, which the NASB95 translates as \u201cnow.\u201d  The Logos 9 sense is at the present time.  The NASB95 translates the Greek verb \u03c3\u1ff4\u03b6\u03b5\u03b9 as \u201csaves,\u201d and it is in the present active indicative third person singular.  According to Louw et al. (Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 241). United Bible Societies), it means, \u201cto cause someone to experience divine salvation\u2014\u2018to save.\u2019\u201d  What follows is the Greek noun \u03b2\u03ac\u03c0\u03c4\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03b1, which the NASB95 translates as \u201cbaptism.\u201d  It is in the nominative singular neuter.  The grammar reveals that via this phrase, Peter intended to convey to his audience that baptism (\u03b2\u03ac\u03c0\u03c4\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03b1) saves wherein the salvation is in a state of being with no assessment of completion.  However, as will become clear, it is NOT water baptism that saves, not water baptism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NASB95 translates the Greek conjunction \u03bf\u1f50 as \u201cnot,\u201d and it functions as a logical correlative which is a word (normally a particle or conjunction) that establishes a relationship between clauses. That is, a word that \u201ccorrelates\u201d one clause (often a dependent clause) to another clause.  See Heiser, M. S., & Setterholm, V. M. (2013; 2013). Glossary of Morpho-Syntactic Database Terminology. Lexham Press.  The conjunction \u03bf\u1f50 also functions as a negative which is the use of a particle to signify that the sentential element being modified should be understood in the opposite sense from what it would otherwise mean. Lukaszewski, Id.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Peter intended to relate to his intended meaning of \u201cbaptism\u201d begins with the Greek noun \u03c3\u03b1\u03c1\u03ba\u1f78\u03c2 which the NASB95 translates as \u201cfrom the flesh.\u201d  It is in the genitive singular feminine.  What follows is the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c0\u03cc\u03b8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03c2 which the NASB95 translates as \u201cthe removal,\u201d  According to Louw et al., supra at Vol. 1, p. 727  , it means, \u201cto put or take something away from its normal location\u2014\u2018to put away, to put out of the way, to remove.\u201d  The NASB95 translates the Greek noun \u1fe5\u03cd\u03c0\u03bf\u03c5  as \u201cof dirt.\u201d  It is in the genitive singular masculine.  It is clear that Peter did not intend to convey to his audience that water baptism has salvific efficacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peter then identified what does save through what follows the Greek conjunction \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 which the NASB95 translates as \u201cbut.\u201d  It functions as a logical correlative, as well as an adversative conjunction which is used to express contrast between the immediate clause and the one preceding it.   See Lukaszewski, A. L. (2007). The Lexham Syntactic Greek New Testament Glossary. Lexham Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NASB95 translates the Greek noun \u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 as \u201cfor a \u2026 conscience.\u201d  It is genitive singular feminine.  According to Louw et al., supra at Vol. 1, p. 323 it means, \u201c(contrast \u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b5\u03af\u03b4\u03b7\u03c3\u03b9\u03c2a \u2018knowledge about something,\u2019 28.4) the psychological faculty which can distinguish between right and wrong\u2014\u2018moral sensitivity, conscience.\u201d  Next is the Greek adjective \u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u1fc6\u03c2 (genitive singular feminine) which the NASB95 translates as \u201cgood.\u201d  According to Louw et al., supra at Vol. 1, p. 741, it means, \u201cpositive moral qualities of the most general nature\u2014\u2018good, goodness, good act.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NASB95 translates the Greek noun \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03ce\u03c4\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1 as \u201can appeal,\u201d and it means (Louw et al., supra, at Vol. 1, p. 406:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

(derivative of \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03c9\u03c4\u03ac\u03c9b \u2018to ask for,\u2019 33.161) that which is asked for\u2014\u2018request, appeal.\u2019 \u03b2\u03ac\u03c0\u03c4\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03b1 \u2026 \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 \u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u1fc6\u03c2 \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03ce\u03c4\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1 \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03b8\u03b5\u03cc\u03bd \u2018but baptism \u2026 is a request to God for a good conscience\u2019 1 Pe 3:21. It is also possible to interpret \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03ce\u03c4\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1 in 1 Pe 3:21 as meaning \u2018pledge\u2019 or \u2018promise,\u2019 in which case it may be classified under 33.288. Accordingly, the phrase \u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 \u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b8\u1fc6\u03c2 \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03ce\u03c4\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1 \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03b8\u03b5\u03cc\u03bd may be rendered as \u2018a promise made to God from a good conscience.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Brill Dictionary of Ancient Greek adds more meaning to \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03ce\u03c4\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1 as used in 1 Peter 3:21 by a definition on page 751 to the effect that \u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 is a solemn promise or pledge or some guarantee made in response to a formal demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposition + noun combination of \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03b8\u03b5\u03cc\u03bd is translated by the NASB95 as \u201cto God.\u201d  The proposition is a preposition of direction which shows flow, both real and semantic, toward its object.  See Lukaszewski, Id.  Next follows the preposition \u03b4\u03b9\u02bc which the NASB95 translates as \u201cthrough.\u201d  This proposition functions as a preposition of manner used to express either method or manner.  See Lukaszewski, Id..  The noun \u1f00\u03bd\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03ac\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 follows and the NASB95 translates it as \u201cthe resurrection.\u201d  It is in the genitive, singular feminine.  Finally, the verse ends with the expression \u1f38\u03b7\u03c3\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03a7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 which the NASB95 translaets as \u201cof Jesus Christ.\u201d  Both noun are in the genitive singular masculine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To add some scope to this analysis, 1 Peter 3:21 reads in a variety of English translations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Peter 3:21 (NET) – 21<\/sup> And this prefigured baptism, which now saves you\u2014not the washing off of physical dirt but the pledge of a good conscience to God\u2014through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Peter 3:21 (NIV) – 21<\/sup> and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also\u2014not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Peter 3:21 (HCSB) – 21<\/sup> Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Peter 3:21 (NLT) – 21<\/sup> And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Peter 3:21 (GW) – 21<\/sup> Baptism, which is like that water, now saves you. Baptism doesn\u2019t save by removing dirt from the body. Rather, baptism is a request to God for a clear conscience. It saves you through Jesus Christ, who came back from death to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No doubt water baptism was an important formal rite in the 1st<\/sup> Century, but it did not possess any salvific efficacy.  By writing v. 21, Peter intended to convey to his original audience was that spiritual baptism (immersion) saves (not water baptism) wherein that spiritual baptism (immersion) occurs upon a person responding to the gospel call by exercising biblical saving faith alone in the resurrected, ascended Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONCLUSION<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, my takeaways from 1 Peter 3:13-22 are below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, even in the face of intimidation, a believer must not fear being zealous for doing what is good with a good conscience for the sake of righteousness (vv. 13-14).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, a believer should continue to become more holy always being ready to present the saving gospel of Jesus Christ with gentleness and respect (v. 15).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, Christ, who was just, died for the sins of the unjust and rose from the grave so as to provide the opportunity for salvation to all of mankind (v. 18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth, this post will not address Christ preaching to the spirits in prison (vv. 19-20a).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth, only eight persons were brought through the flood of Genesis (v. 20b).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sixth, by writing v. 21, Peter intended to convey to his original audience was that spiritual baptism (immersion) saves (not water baptism) wherein that spiritual baptism (immersion) occurs upon a person responding to the gospel call by exercising biblical saving faith alone in the resurrected, ascended Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU BELIEVE IN BAPTISMAL REGENERATION<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, let me quote gotquestions.org (link: https:\/\/www.gotquestions.org\/baptism-Mark-16-16.html<\/a> ):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you believe in baptismal regeneration, you would do well to prayerfully consider whom or what you are really putting your trust in. Is your faith in a physical act<\/em> (being baptized) or in the finished work of Christ on the cross? Whom or what are you trusting for salvation? Is it the shadow (baptism) or the substance (Jesus Christ)? Our faith must rest in Christ alone. \u201cWe have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace\u201d (Ephesians 1:7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please read and take to heart what I write in the section entitled \u201cIF YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN.\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT YOUR SALVATION<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are unsure about your salvation, you need to check out my book The Salvation Meter: Biblical Self-Diagnostic Tests to Examine Your Salvation and Spiritual Growth<\/strong><\/em> (book link at Xulon Press: https:\/\/www.xulonpress.com\/bookstore\/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781662828638<\/a> ).  At Amazon the book link is  https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Salavation-Meter-Biblical-Self-Diagnostic-Spiritual\/dp\/1662828632<\/a> .  I also have a website in which I am updating the content in the book.  The link to my website for the book is https:\/\/thesalvationmeter.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IF YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2026 please (1) read through \u201cGod\u2019s Plan of Salvation\u201d so you can understand what God did for you through His only unique Son, Jesus Christ, and (2), from the bottom of your heart, pray the \u201cSinner\u2019s Prayer\u201d meaning every word.  If you do, you will be reconciled to God \u2013 saved – through Jesus Christ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Plan of Salvation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the beginning, God, who is holy, created the entire universe.  As a part of His creative actions, He made humans in His image to know Him.  For a while, everything was right between God and our ancestors, Adam and Eve.    But Adam sinned, and his sin was passed down to all of humankind whereby we became separated from God.  Nothing we could do on our own could bridge that separation so that without God\u2019s intervention, hell would be our eternal destination.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately for us, in His great love and mercy God provided humankind with the only means of salvation, which is through Jesus Christ who is God\u2019s only unique Son.  While retaining His deity, God the Son became a man in Jesus, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross, thus fulfilling the law Himself and taking on Himself the punishment for the sins of all those who would ever repent and trust in Him for their salvation.  Jesus rose from the dead, showing that God the Father accepted Christ\u2019s sacrifice and that God\u2019s wrath against us has been exhausted.  He now calls us to repent of our sins and trust alone in what Christ did to save us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we repent of our sins and completely trust in Christ alone that He died for our sins and rose to life from the dead, we are born again into a new life, an eternal life with God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, 27, 31; Habakkuk 1:13; Genesis 2:7, 18, 21-25;  Genesis 3:1-7, 23-24; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:19-20, 23; 5:17-19; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 John 4:10; John 3:16-18; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:4; 4:25; John 3:5-8; 1 Peter 1:3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cSinner\u2019s Prayer\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord, Jesus Christ, the only unique Son of God, thank You for Your free gift of eternal life.  I know I\u2019m a sinner who cannot save myself no matter what I do, and I deserve to spend eternity in hell.  But, I know that because You loved me so much, You voluntarily died on the cross for me taking my sins upon Yourself, and You physically bodily rose from the grave showing that Your sacrificial death was sufficient payment to give me eternal life in Heaven.  I now repent of my sins and trust alone in what You did for my eternal salvation.  Please take control of my life as I now receive You as my Lord and Savior.  Thank You so much for saving me.  I am now Yours forever!<\/em> (Scripture references: John 1:1-4, 11-14; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:21-26; Isaiah 53:4-6; Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; John 10:27-29).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon your salvation, you must find a spiritually solid Bible-believing church that (1) teaches that the sixty-six books of the Bible are the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God, (2) believes in the doctrine of the Trinity, which means that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons \u2014 the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit \u2013 and each Person is fully God, and (3) teaches that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works (e.g., water baptism by immersion).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ONE CAUTIONARY POINT.  Please do not make the mistake of thinking that once you become a Christian, your life will become easy.  Most likely, it will become more difficult.  God\u2019s blessing of salvation and life’s difficulties are not mutually exclusive.  Jesus told His disciples, \u201cIf the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.\u201d John 15:18 (NLT).  Always keep in mind that you have an eternal home in heaven waiting for you per John 14:2\u20134 (NLT):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2<\/sup> There is more than enough room in my Father\u2019s home.  If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  3<\/sup> When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.  4<\/sup> And you know the way to where I am going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTICE OF PERMISSIONS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am mindful of and respect the rights other authors and\/or publishers possess in their works.  I thus try my best to not violate any copyright rights other authors and\/or publishers possess in their works.  The below copyright permission statement is the result of my best efforts to understand that limited usage or “fair use” is available and\/or to secure direct permission for specific works.  The quotations from commentaries are considered to be “fair use.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked “ESV” are from the ESV\u00ae Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked \u201cNASB95\u201d are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE\u00ae, Copyright \u00a9 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked “NCV” is taken from the New Century Version.  Copyright \u00a9 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.  All rights reserved.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scriptures marked “NET” are quoted are from the NET Bible\u00ae  http:\/\/netbible.com copyright \u00a91996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright \u00a9 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked “GW” is taken from the God’s Word Bible that is a copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations.  Quotations are used by permission.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

INTRODUCTION Some use 1 Peter 3:21 as a text to support the doctrine of baptismal regeneration.  For example, Dr. Jack Cottrell uses this text in his book Baptism \u2013 Biblical Study (College Press Publishing, Joplin, MO (1989) [7th printing in 2006]) to support the doctrine of baptismal regeneration.  On 154, Dr. Cottrell writes [emphasis added]: […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[320],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1490","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-baptism"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1490"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1490\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2059,"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1490\/revisions\/2059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1490"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1490"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}