BAPTISM: A Comparison Of 1 Peter 3:21 & Mark 16:16

BAPTISM: A Comparison Of 1 Peter 3:21 & Mark 16:16

1 Peter 3:21

"Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Verse Breakdown & Explanation

"Baptism, which corresponds to this..."

• “This” refers back to Noah and the flood (verse 20). Just as Noah and his family were saved through water in the ark, baptism corresponds or is a symbolic fulfillment of that idea.

• Peter draws a parallel: Noah was saved through water → Christians are saved through baptism.

"...now saves you..."

• Peter says “baptism now saves you”—but he immediately clarifies what he means and what he doesn’t.

"not as a removal of dirt from the body"

• Baptism is not just an external washing or a ritual bath.

• Peter is making it clear that it's not the water itself that has power, and it’s not a physical cleansing like washing your hands or taking a bath.

"but as an appeal to God for a clean conscience"

• Baptism is an inner, spiritual act—it’s an appeal or pledge to God for a clean conscience.

• The Greek word translated “appeal” (or in some versions, “pledge”) can mean:

o A request or appeal (asking God for a clean conscience), or

o A pledge (a commitment made in good conscience to follow God).

• Either way, it's about the inner commitment and faith of the person being baptized—not just the outward act.

"through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"

• The power behind baptism is not the water—it’s the resurrection of Jesus.

• Baptism connects the believer to Jesus’ death and resurrection (see also Romans 6:3–4).

• It's effective because Jesus rose from the dead and offers new life.

In Summary: What Is 1 Peter 3:21 Teaching?

• Baptism saves—not because of the physical act itself, but because it:

o Symbolizes salvation like Noah’s ark

o Is a heart-level appeal to God for a clean conscience

o Is rooted in the power of Christ’s resurrection

• Baptism is a faith-filled response, not a magical ritual. It represents a person’s decision to trust in Christ and align themselves with His saving work.

Mark 16:16 (Jesus speaking)

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

What Jesus Is Teaching in Mark 16:16

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..."

• Jesus links belief and baptism as the normal, expected response to the gospel.

• Both are presented together as leading to salvation.

• This aligns with 1 Peter 3:21, where Peter also connects baptism with salvation, but emphasizes faith and the resurrection as the true saving power behind it.

"...but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

• Notice: condemnation is tied to lack of belief, not lack of baptism.

• This shows that while baptism is commanded and important, faith is the essential, non-negotiable element.

• Just like Peter said: it’s not the outward washing that saves, but the inner appeal to God in faith.

Conclusion: How Jesus and Peter Teach the Same Truth

Both Mark 16:16 and 1 Peter 3:21 teach:

• Baptism is connected to salvation, but not as a magical ritual.

• Faith is the foundation—it’s the inner trust and appeal to God that gives baptism its meaning.

• Baptism is the proper, obedient, faith-filled response to the gospel message.

• The power behind baptism is not the water, but Jesus’ resurrection and our faith in Him.