[Jesus] went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.” vss. 19b-20
1 Peter 3:18-22
Noah’s ark was one of the favorite symbols of early Christians, and is featured in crude drawings on the walls of many ancient worship sites. For them the ark was good news, and a reminder that just as Noah and his family were once saved through water, believers were now being saved through the water of baptism. Peter takes care to tell them, though, that it wasn’t the cleansing of the water that brought salvation. Baptism is more than just water; it’s a connection to the grace of God that had been made manifest in the resurrection of Jesus. It’s because Jesus now lives that we have life in him–it’s not just a matter of being sprinkled or dunked! This doesn’t mean that baptism is insignificant or unimportant. Whether we were baptized as infants or adults, our baptisms deserve to be remembered. It’s the point of connection between the grace of God and our individual lives, and a powerful reminder that our pasts do not define our futures. We are forgiven beings, and the road ahead has been cleared of every impediment. We are free to be–and there are no limits to what God can do through us.
Thought for the Day: What images do I have of my baptism?
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