Subject: IS BAPTISM NECESSARY |
Bible Note: Hello wordoer, May I offer a few observations: 1. There are no "contradictions" in scripture!; 2. One of the principles of interpretation is that we don't take doctrine from unclear or difficult passages! 1 Peter 3:21 is one of the more difficult in the NT as to the exact meaning. There is no consensus- with many and varied views! So, it would be remiss at best to derive a doctrine of baptismal regeneration from it; 3. What Peter is saying in this verse must correspond- or rather agree- with his statements elsewhere in the NT! In 1 Peter 1:3, we're told, "...who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (NASB) Note that baptism is not how we're born-again, rather it's through "the resurrection of Jesus Christ"! Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |