St Peter wants his readers to be aware that their sins have been forgiven. The believer has been brought close to God... made alive in spirit! Those who were once locked up within the prison of their self-interest have been set free by the grace-shaped love of God.

Just as the ark saved Noah and his family from the flooding waters, the baptism of the believer offers the safety of assurance amidst the flooding tempest of accusation and half-baked motives.

Left to either a peer-assessment or a self-assessment, we would be lost. But having given ourselves to Christ, and marking that with the act of baptism, we can be confident that we are accepted by God. We have no need to hide or pretend. We can confess, be honest and draw near!

Our confidence is in Christ. The one who was condemned and crucified. Yet, he is also risen. All authorities are now subjected to Him! Christ’s way is the eternal way.