Week 3 - Day 7
(19) After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— (20) to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it 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.
Reading: This chapter ends with Peter letting us know that Jesus’ victory was for everyone – even those that were living in the Old Testament times – the “spirits in prison”. Peter references that only eight people were saved by water and that everyone else is to be saved by baptism. We all now have the opportunity to be baptized by the blood of Christ – if we give our heart to Jesus and make him our Lord. This is only possible through Jesus’ death and resurrection. When we are baptized, it is a symbol of our death to our sinfulness and resurrection in life for the Lord. Jesus’ blood has cleansed us of our sins by his death and resurrection. He alone has secured our salvation.
Jesus wants us to be on his team more than anything. He is actively recruiting us though his Holy Spirit. He has already won the championship and what he wants more than anything is for us to be a part of it. Will join him? Will you submit yourself to Jesus so you can be on his team and further the Kingdom of God? He died so everyone could have the victory!
Reflection: What step do you need to take today to become more active in God’s kingdom? Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior? Confessing sin? Baptism? Something else?
Prayer Prompt: Thank you, Lord, for coming to save the world. The victory is yours.