For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, (19) by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, (20) who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is eight souls, were saved through water. (21) There is also an anti type which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
Our verses today are taken from the first letter of the apostle Peter. He writes that Christ is our main example of unjust suffering – He entered time and space, true God and true man, to give his life as a ransom for many. This epistle is written for all believers who are called to suffer wrongfully and take it patiently. We are to follow the example of Jesus who knew no sin but suffered – more than that, He did not sin and all the suffering and shame of the cross was on account of OUR sin. Peter’s testimony was to strengthen his brethren in faith; to encourage and comfort those who were suffering persecution and passing through many trials. Our justification is not having obeyed an ordinance but by what Christ has done and Peter is teaching the entire conformity of the believer to the Lord. We are looking at the subject of holiness.
The application of holiness means we are set apart – separated unto God in Christ by faith. Holiness is an attitude of the heart which clashes with modern culture in which we are supposed to be independent but here Peter means that we belong to the Lord; not just submitting the mind without submitting the life, the heart and the will. Holiness here is more than keeping rules. We have not been redeemed by perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ. A life without God is a thoughtless life. Christians live this life in faith in Christ. A holy life means Jesus is now our authority – a life of freedom under His authority.
Baptism is a public confession of faith and here Peter is concerned what baptism signifies – baptism testifies to our faith in Christ’s substitutionary death. Baptism cannot save anyone but it is a step of obedience to Christ publicly to identify ourselves with Him in His death and resurrection. We bear witness to God’s eternal plan of salvation through holy living in this world.