Baptism Pictures Salvation From Judgment

Noah was a believer when he got on the ark and the water was the element used by God to bring judgment on the earth. God brought Noah safely through those waters of judgment at the time of the global flood. Corresponding to that, submersion and being brought up out of the water in baptism is a picture of the sinner who believes the gospel and in effect has died with Christ and is raised to new life. By faith Noah and the seven members of his family believed God’s message of coming judgment and got on the ark. By faith, the sinner upon believing God’s message of coming judgment and trusting in the rescue offered by Christ, is brought safely through the judgment and begins the new life. This identification with Jesus Christ death, burial, and resurrection by faith inwardly is what is pictured externally by water baptism. It is a demonstration of the faith that has saved the one being baptized not a means of being saved.