The words are, "this symbolizes".
Right, the flood waters symbolize baptism. That's the extent of the symbolism here. The Ark doesn't symbolize Jesus, or the water doesn't symbolize destruction.
I am sure it had a lot to do with the Jewish believers he was talking to. You obviously don't get Peter's example or exactly what He is talking about.
LOL...There's another one. What he writes is what he's talking about. You HAVE to have a convoluted view of these verses so you can keep believing "sola-fide".
I do not have the motivation to continue trying to explain or exegete this for you. I suggest you go to this webpage to read a comprehensive commentary on this section of scripture.
I realize when you come across teachings like these it's hard to keep believing that Scripture teaches salvation by faith alone, and it makes you uncomfortable, which is why you keep trying to beg off. When Christians discuss salvation, the doctrine of "faith alone" is the real topic. It's the same on this baptism thread. If you didn't hold the heresy of sola-fide, you would be able to see that Peter is simply teaching baptism saves. As it is now, you won't let yourself see what the plain words say.
This sounds like a response from someone who really doesn't know what the BIBLE in it's entirety, has to say on the subject. It's called EXEGESIS, you should try it.
Great, let's try some. Exegesis with context. Here are two points:
As I said above, this is about the man-made doctrine of sola-fide. I can't post every verse from Paul's letters, but EVERY TIME (save one), when Paul speaks of "faith vs. works" it is in the DIRECT context of "works of the law", circumcision specifically. Go ahead, type the word "works" into Bible Gateway, any version you choose, and show me where Paul is referencing good works, baptism, keeping the commandments, etc. in relation to WORKS vs. faith. My question is, where do you get the idea that baptism, charity, etc. are called "works" by Paul? He certainly doesn't draw that parallel, so neither should you.
Salvation is not by faith alone, but by faith apart from works of the law:
"I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; 37
for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matt. 12:37,38)
And behold, one came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" 17 And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good.
If you would enter life, keep the commandments." (Matt. 19:16,17)
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works, 23 and the scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness"; and he was called the friend of God. 24
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (Jas. 2:21-24)
Yet woman will be saved through bearing children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness, with modesty. (1Tim. 2:15)
And , of course...
"...baptism, which now saves you..."
Seems like the "Bible in it's entirety" teaches we are NOT justified by faith alone.
Secondly, you have the erroneous view that Scripture ONLY teaches that faith is a one time event, when the "Bible in it's entirety" teaches that we ARE justified, HAVE BEEN justified and WILL BE justified. We are looking at the "Bible in it's entirety", so we shouldn't just IGNORE certain parts of Scripture, right?
"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to
us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1Cor. 1:18)
"For
we are the aroma of Christ to God among those
who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life." (2Cor. 2:15,16)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence,
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Phil. 12,13)
These three passages point to the fact that salvation is a process..
"Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more
shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled,
shall we be saved by his life." (Rom. 9,10)
Here, Paul states that salvation is a future event.
Well yes if the Bible as a whole actually conveyed that message, I would have no choice but to submit to it... the fact is.... it DOESN'T.
The fact is, the Bible in it's entirety, teaches that we are not justified by faith alone and that justification is a process, not a one time event. Will you really submit to the Truth, or is the above just hot air?
