READ: Eph. 1:15-23
There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism … (the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God … – 1 Pet. 3:21-22
Just as the flood brought judgment upon the disobedient, it also brought salvation for the believing Noah and his family. For us who truly believe, that flood symbolizes baptism as a foreshadowing of salvation through Christ in judgment. This applies only to those who have a “good conscience,” which is a pure faith that knows the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.
Baptism signifies not only the cleansing of the body, but also the purification and rebirth of the inner self, based on the resurrection of Christ. From this rebirth of your inner self arises the plea to God for such a “good conscience,” as a sure knowledge and firm confidence that all that Christ has earned is also for your salvation.
In communion with Christ, you will always pray for the strengthening of that faith. You know that this prayer will be answered, for Christ has risen from the dead as a victor, and so He has also ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. There He is now the great King and Head of His Church. Everything and everyone is subject to Him: angels, powers, and authorities from heaven and even from hell. He has been given the Name above all names, and He leads and governs the entire Creation.
What a comfort there is for the obedient church and faithful believers now that their Lord, as their Savior, holds this position! Therefore, let us follow Him with confidence and willingly accept everything He gives us to bear.
How do we see that Christ is the great King?
Singing: Ps. 109:9