Occasionally we run across in the Bible a verse or couple of verses here and there which bring up something odd or unclear which might intrigue us. One example is in Genesis 6:1-4, where the Scriptures talk about the “sons of God” marrying the “daughters of men”, whose offspring were “mighty men”. Bible scholars have debated about who these were for a long time. In our New Testament Scripture for today, from this week’s Lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer, we have another couple of verses that Bible scholars have pondered over. Let’s take a look.
None of the verses that have puzzled Bible scholars have ever been ones that are essential to the faith, “fundamentals” of the faith, if you will, those verses that lead one to salvation. The “puzzling” verses in today’s Scripture are not ones highlighting an essential doctrine. In the Apostle Peter’s epistle, he mentioned what some people have wondered over the centuries, and that is, what did Jesus do, where did He go during that time between His death on the cross and the Resurrection?
Peter gives us an answer in verses 19-20, but one that also raises some other questions. As we read, the Apostle states that Jesus went and “preached to the spirits in prison”, ones who were “disobedient” while Noah was building the ark. Who were these ones in prison?
There are two main theories that people believe as to who these are. One is that these are the lost souls in Hades who rejected God. The mention of Noah would indicate that these spirits are the souls of those who heard and rejected Noah’s preaching while he was building the ark. Jesus announced His triumph on the cross, which sealed the fate of these doomed souls.
Another theory is that these are the fallen angels who tried to corrupt the human race by cohabiting with human women (Genesis 6:1-4; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6-7). This happened right prior to the Flood. These demon spirits were cast into the Abyss. Those who hold to this theory believe that Jesus went and announced to them that in spite of His death, He has triumphed over them.
There is a lot more teaching in this Scripture passage than just theories that Bible scholars have about what Jesus did during the time between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. In verse 18 we have further Scripture of Jesus being the substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of mankind, the “just for the unjust”. Jesus was the perfect Sacrifice, the One who was born without original sin, and who lived a perfect life, never failing in even one point. He, alone, was the “Just”. Jesus’ mission is complete (vs. 22), and His sacrifice was accepted.
The last two verses of our Scripture speak of baptism (vs. 21-22). These verses are not saying that water baptism is essential for salvation, because it is not. We are saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, not through any works we do, including baptism. It is not the ceremony of baptism which saves us, but faith in Jesus’ Resurrection. Baptism cannot wash away the “filth of the flesh” - sin. Instead, it shows the “answer of a good conscience toward God” (vs. 21).
Baptism is the symbol of the transformation that happens in the hearts of those who believe. Baptism is a conscious testimony to one’s faith in the Resurrection of Jesus, because it symbolizes our resurrection with Him. In baptism we identify with Jesus, who separates us from the lost, and gives us a new life.
The Apostle Peter uses Noah and his family as a picture of salvation. Those who believe in the Lord Jesus experience salvation by being in Christ, Who is the Ark of our salvation. When we are in Him, we are safe from the judgment of God, just as Noah and his family were safe while in the ark from the judgment of God on the earth that He brought through the Flood. The words “through” water in verse 20 should better read “because of”, “on account of” or “for this reason”. Noah and his family were saved because of, and on account of the water, and for the reason of the Flood. The water didn’t save them, the Ark did.
Are you in the Ark through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? It is faith in Him, alone, that saves us. Nothing that we can do, including being baptized, will save us. Put your faith and trust in Him, alone.
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