John’s baptism was an early preparation. After Jesus completes His saving work, Christian baptism takes over (Matthew 28:19). The two baptisms are different. (Those who later receive John’s baptism must be immersed again into Jesus, Acts 19:1-5.) Yet both share a similar purpose. John was “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3). Compare this with Peter’s words to the people who are convinced Jesus has risen from death:
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:38-39).
[Noah and his family] were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:20-21).
The King Himself gives to Peter the keys to the kingdom. Here Peter binds – requires – what God has bound (Matthew 16:19). In effect, Peter is repeating what the King told Nicodemus: entering the kingdom requires “water.” That water is not just an outward washing or bath. Nor is it merely a picture or symbol. No, in 1 Peter 3, the “symbol” is the water of Noah’s time.
The flood separated Noah from the wicked. It saved him while destroying the world. That ancient water “symbolizes” and points to a far greater salvation (and separation) by baptism. Dear friend, will you be saved by the water? Or will that same water condemn you because you reject the King’s way into His kingdom? Jesus warns that “many” who think they are safe will be lost. They never know Jesus, and they never “enter the kingdom” because they fail to follow His way. Sadly, they never see their mistake until it is too late (Matthew 7:21-27).