How do protestants interpret 1Peter 3:20-21

[katiem]

…when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, during the buiding of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 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 clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 3:20-21) I am curious how protestants who believe baptism is only symbolic view this passage?

 

[bonica]

I am quoting directly from the notes of “Reformation Study Bible…NKJV” (I’ve still got it even though I no longer agree with it so that I can understand where they get their arguments from…which I might add are feeble most of the time):

"Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. The startling statement that baptism “saves us” shows how close is the relationship between the sign and the reality it signifies. Noah’s physical salvation through the waters of the Food prefigured the waters of baptism and the salvation they signify. Baptism symbolizes judgment on sin in the death of Christ and then also renewal of life (Rom. 6:4). The floodwaters were judgment to the wicked, and at the same time physical salvation for the just, Noah and his family.

Lest his readers mistakenly attribute a magical or mechanical power to the sacrament, Peter states that the means of salvation is not performance of the external rite, but what it symbolizes–union with Christ in His death and Resurrection."

Please realize I do not agree with this, I am just telling you how they would explain it!!

 

[II_Paradox_II]

bonica:

I am quoting directly from the notes of “Reformation Study Bible…NKJV” (I’ve still got it even though I no longer agree with it so that I can understand where they get their arguments from…which I might add are feeble most of the time):

Just so you know, her question asked about those who see baptism as symbolic. Most Reformed churches (who made the study bible you just quoted) don’t see baptism as purely symbolic.

there is a pretty good explanation of what this means in relation to other views here cmfnow.com/articles/pt069.htm

ken