God saves us. He forgave us at the cross and in our baptism He saves us by giving the promises attached to the water that gives us all the benefits that the cross achieved.
It's not the water that is doing anything, but it's God's Word that is connected to that water.
In the Old Testament, a leper was told to wash in the river to be cured...it wasn't the lepers washing that cured him (as in the act) but it was God's promise that was attached to the water that cured him. Same thing in baptism. God uses means to gives us His gifts, whether it's His Son on the cross, baptism or the Lord's Supper. These are ways that He delivers His promises to us.
"and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you alsonot the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ . . ." - 1 Peter 3:21
It's not the water that is doing anything, but it's God's Word that is connected to that water.
In the Old Testament, a leper was told to wash in the river to be cured...it wasn't the lepers washing that cured him (as in the act) but it was God's promise that was attached to the water that cured him. Same thing in baptism. God uses means to gives us His gifts, whether it's His Son on the cross, baptism or the Lord's Supper. These are ways that He delivers His promises to us.
"and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you alsonot the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ . . ." - 1 Peter 3:21
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