In the sermon titled Does Baptism Save? based on 1 Peter 3:18-22, the message explored the profound significance of suffering and salvation through Christ’s sacrifice, diving deeply into the question of whether baptism alone saves us. This discourse begins by examining the common aversion to suffering and acknowledges that, while no one enjoys pain, there are times we endure hardships for a greater purpose. Pastor Allen Victor of Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville highlighted three areas for which people are often willing to suffer: family, freedom, and faith. For example, the sacrifices of parents, soldiers, and Christians throughout history illustrate the kinds of suffering people endure for these causes. The Bible tells us, in 1 Peter 3:18, that Christ also suffered for us, “the just for the unjust,” enduring both emotional and physical pain. Jesus was wrongfully accused, tortured, and even felt the spiritual agony of separation from His Father. Yet, He saw humanity as worth the cost, choosing to suffer to bring us to God.

The message transitions into a discussion of Christ’s journey after His crucifixion. According to 1 Peter 3:19-20, Jesus went and preached to “the spirits in prison,” a passage that has prompted various interpretations. One perspective suggests that Jesus preached to fallen angels, or “spirits” referenced in Genesis 6, who defied God before the flood. Alternatively, some believe He preached to the righteous who had died and were awaiting redemption in “Abraham’s bosom.” Pastor Victor examined these interpretations, emphasizing the importance of interpreting Scripture humbly and with care, acknowledging areas of mystery while respecting God’s silence on certain details.

The sermon also shed light on God’s longsuffering, as shown in the time leading up to the flood. God waited patiently for 100 years while Noah built the ark, desiring repentance from humanity despite its great wickedness. This patience reflects God’s enduring hope that all might come to repentance, a truth that holds even now as He awaits the “last soul” before the final judgment. The ark serves as a symbol of salvation, illustrating how Noah and his family were “saved through water.” However, Pastor Victor clarified that the water itself did not save; rather, it was their obedience and trust in God’s provision through the ark.

In exploring the concept of baptism, the message addressed the idea of types and antitypes in Scripture, where something symbolic points to a deeper reality. Baptism, as 1 Peter 3:21 notes, is an “antitype” that represents salvation, not by the literal washing of the body, but by “the answer of a good conscience toward God,” made possible through Christ’s resurrection. Pastor Victor explained that baptism serves as a public declaration of faith and identifies believers with Christ in His death and resurrection. It symbolizes the believer’s inward transformation and commitment, similar to how a wedding ceremony publicly represents an internal bond.

The sermon underscored that salvation is by grace through faith, not through baptism or any ritual. Supporting this view, Pastor Victor referenced verses such as Ephesians 2:8-9 and the story of the thief on the cross, who was saved by faith alone. Baptism, then, is not the means of salvation but a symbolic act that reflects a believer’s unity with Christ’s redemptive work. It serves as a pledge of a clear conscience, a response to God’s grace, and a testimony of inner change. Just as in Noah’s day, entering the ark—not merely being in the water—ensured salvation; so too, only by “entering” Christ, through faith, are we saved.

In closing, Pastor Allen Victor reminded the congregation that baptism is a step of obedience and a beautiful outward sign of an inward reality, pointing to our hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He encouraged each listener to consider the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice, the purpose of suffering, and the commitment involved in declaring faith publicly. The sermon reaffirmed that while baptism is a vital symbol in the Christian Walk, true salvation is found in Christ alone, who now reigns at the right hand of God with all authority over angels and powers.

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