1 Peter 3:20-22

In Noah’s ark only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. – 1 Peter 3:20-22

Dear Jesus,

We don’t often think of Noah’s flood as saving anyone.  It killed millions of people.  But you point out through Peter that the water of the flood saved people and that those ancient waves symbolize baptism that saves me.  I would be swept away in guilt and shame had you not changed my identity when I was baptized.  I went from being lost and condemned to being forgiven, loved, adopted and owned by you.  I have a clear conscience not because I haven’t sinned but because you have washed my sins away and still wash every new sin away in grace.  I am saved, even though I am a sinner.  My identity is a child of God who has you in heaven talking to the Father on my behalf.  Thank you for adopting me and help me to remember that I am baptized (saved and adopted) every time I feel lost and guilty. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Baptism is something God gives to us and not something we give to him.