1 Peter 3:21

 “…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not 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.

From Background Notes [BN] for February 25^th/26^th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

What does he mean?

 

The underlying Greek helps us clarify this important explanation. The word “appeal” is from eperōtēma which means “that which is asked for, a request, an appeal, pledge, promise.” The idea of “pledge” fits the context well, since at the time of early Christian baptism, a series of questions were put to the recipient of baptism and to which they were to offer honest and unambiguous answers. The root of this word in Greek is “ask.” Some basic questions are posed at baptism in the Christian tradition. The baptismal liturgy asks that we make six promises:

1. Renounce Satan and the forces of wickedness

2. Renounce the evil powers of this world

3. Renounce sinful desires that draw you from God

4. Turn to Jesus Christ and accept Him as Savior

5. Put whole trust in God

6. Promise to obey and follow Him as Lord

That is paramount to asking, “Will you refuse any longer to follow the devil?,” and, positively, to transfer allegiance to another, that is, to Jesus Christ.   [BN, 10]

Join us this week in Study & Worship at ChicagoFirstChurch of the Nazarene –

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am, 5:30pm