Baptism For Remission of Sins?
There are those who teach that baptism brings remission
(forgiveness) of sins. They arrive at this false doctrine due to a
misunderstanding of the above text. Yes, the passage reads "for the
remission of sins", but it all depends on what the word "for"
means.
The word "for" can have various meanings in both English and Greek. It
can mean, in place of, on behalf of, because of, and as a result of, etc. How
often we say things like, "I'm leaving for home tomorrow" ...
"They were on sale at two for the price of one" ... "I
bought tablets for my sick brother"?
So does this text men that we must be baptised to be forgiven or that we are
baptised because we are forgiven. I am persuaded that Peter is saying
"because of the remission of sins." To some this may appear like I am
twisting scripture, but click on the following two illustrations and make your
own mind up.
The Bible constantly speaks of "Believing" then being "Baptised" ... check this out by using any concordance. The apostle Peter writing in 1 Peter 3:21 says, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Therefore baptism does not bring salvation or forgiveness, but it does mean that those who are truly born again and obedient to Christ will follow through and get baptised.