Beneath the Cleansing Flood
In one of the most unique biblical passages, Peter explains that the Spirit of Christ has warned generations to repent. Only through Jesus’ sacrifice can we be saved beneath the cleansing flood.
Author
Travis Agnew
Lead Pastor
Salvation
Beneath the Cleansing Flood
In one of the most unique biblical passages, Peter explains that the Spirit of Christ has warned generations to repent. Only through Jesus’ sacrifice can we be saved beneath the cleansing flood.
Travis Agnew
Lead Pastor
Hermeneutical Principles
- A text cannot mean what it never meant.
- You cannot comprehend biblical content apart from its context.
- If a passage is confusing, allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Interpretation
- You should be willing to suffer for Christ because look how He suffered for you (3:17-18).
- The sinless Christ suffered for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God (3:18).
- The Spirit spoke the message of Christ through prophets on earth before Him (3:19; cf. 1:11).
- Though marginalized in an ungodly society, Noah preached for their repentance while preparing for his rescue (3:20; cf. Gen. 6:5, 11-12; Luke 17:26-27; 2 Pet. 2:5).
- Baptism symbolizes salvation for those emerging beneath the cleansing flood (3:21).
- If Christ is in control, no power should intimidate His disciples (3:22).
Application
- If you get comfortable with the depraved ways of this world, you will be swept away in the next judgment.
- Salvation involves Christ’s sacrifice (3:18) and your surrender (3:21).
- God’s patience is long but not endless, and you need to repent while you still have time.
- Baptism should be the first step of obedience to indicate to anyone watching that you belong to Jesus.
