ByWhat is spiritual baptism, and how does it apply to us as believers in Christ? Well, today’s study-scripture article release deals with that question. Surprisingly, Apostle Peter caught the revelation and wrote it in 1 Peter 3:21-22, but in a very indirect way.
Before I write on these two Bible verses, I want us to reflect on the previous study scripture article release, where I wrote on how Christ suffered for sins from 1 Peter 3:18-20. When Jesus died, He wasn’t idle. Instead, He went down to preach to the spirits in prison. And 1 Peter 3:20 makes us understand that those spirits were those who died during the flooding which occurred over the entire earth in Noah’s time of existence. The water drowned and killed them. But in verse 21, Peter makes a sharp contrast compared to what happened in the Old Testament. So, while water killed evil people in the Old Testament, today in Christ, the water, which is the Word of God, saves us and gives us a good conscience toward God. What a difference!
Verse 21
[21] “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
1 Peter 3:21 (NKJV)
The word “antitype” in the verse above means something that represents the opposite of another. So even though we’re talking about two different kinds of water here, one killed people in sin when they were immersed into it (through drowning). Still, the other – the Word, cleanses us from the filthiness of our flesh and spirits [through consistent preaching of the Truth – (see John 15:3)]. This explains how spiritual baptism saves you, the child of God.
But the spiritual baptism wouldn’t have been possible without the resurrection of Christ. For it is written in Romans 6:7 (NKJV) that,
“… our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. [8] Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, [9] knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. [10] For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. [11] Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. ”
Romans 6:6-11 (NKJV)
So when Jesus died, we (believers) died with Him spiritually. And when He resurrected, we resurrected with Him. That is why, as a child of God, if you’re living above the dictates of sinful flesh today, it’s not because of luck. It’s by grace brought to you by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Take time to worship Jesus today!
Verse 22
[22] “who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.”
1 Peter 3:22 (NKJV)
Now, verse 22 gives a more specified view of Jesus’ current location and authority.
#1 Jesus has gone into heaven
This one gives us a clear explanation of where Jesus currently is. If someone tells you that Jesus isn’t in heaven, don’t believe Him. He is. However, let’s look at the technicality of this doctrine.
I need to hold a sachet of water outside a bottle before I can pour the water into it. Right? But if I say that I am pouring water in the bottle, it would mean that I am in the bottle before doing that water distribution in the bottle.
Jesus didn’t go to heaven. He went into heaven, meaning, he was taken from the earth straight into heaven, and that happened when He disappeared from the sight of his eleven apostles [(Judas Iscariot is excluded) — see Acts 1:9].
#2 Jesus is at the right hand of God
Note the Bible didn’t say, “Jesus is at the right-hand side of God.” After all, how can we distinguish God’s right-hand side from his left? None of us have been to His throne room before. Right?
So, for Jesus to be at the right hand of God, it simply means Jesus has the authority from the Father to rule the entire universe. And because of such a powerful position He has, angels and authorities and powers all subject to Him. That is why that demon can’t stand you when you know and utilise the power in the name of Jesus. Don’t be perplexed. Walk in wisdom.
Shalom!
