Easter 6: Second Reading, 1 Peter 3:13-22

“Baptism … now saves you …” Verse 21 of 1 Peter 3 has been a bull’s-eye for all kinds of discussion, preaching and spilled ink over the years. “Baptism doesn’t save unless you believe in works.” Or, “Baptism in 1 Peter isn’t referring to water baptism.” Or, “I suppose you think that little baby can actually be saved, huh?”

It goes on and on. And I have to admit that before I came to the Lutheran Church I was taught to make some of those same objections. What do I mean by taught? Well. We all come to the Bible with, shall I say, certain “methods” of reading. In other words, we are taught to interpret the Bible based on the theology and views of those around us. It was true of me as an evangelical, Bible-believing Christian and it’s true of you whether or not you’ve been Lutheran your whole life. Now I am not condemning that. It is true of everyone. No one except perhaps the youngest and most uninitiated Christian comes to the Bible with a clean slate. 

Ask yourself: Why do Christians who claim to love the same Bible, come up with different “reads” on it? Mostly, it stems from how you’re taught to read it. So can I give you a key? Go back and read the passage for the second reading for this Sunday. And pay attention to the link that Peter makes with the account of Noah. One great tip in interpreting the Bible is to find out as much as you can from the entire Bible on one subject. And the Holy Spirit, not Luther, not me, not Peter … the Holy Spirit connects Noah and his experience with Christian baptism. Then, excuse the pun, dive in and see where Peter and Noah take you. There’s more to baptism than just the New Testament.

Yes I am asking for some more homework on your part. Get out Luther’s Small Catechism and read the section on Holy Baptism. You’ll meet up with good ol’ Noah there too. If it's been a while, do dive back in and find out just why we believe the Bible means what it says there in 1 Peter 3. Baptism … now saves you.” Now there’s the real key. The Bible means what it says.