For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.—1 Peter 3:18–22

Introduction: Our Unrest in Our Losses

The apostle Peter is still in this section where he is calling us to fill the places in which God has placed us with beautiful behavior that shows the beauty of King Jesus. However, one of the challenges for Peter’s readers and for us is the losses they were feeling. Losses of friends, family, and safety. It is hard to radiate the beauty of Jesus when our souls are full of unrest, because it feels like we are losing all around and nothing is certain.

We’ve all felt losses these last few months, haven’t we? The loss of routines. Perhaps the loss of health. The loss of comforts and conveniences. The loss of jobs. The loss in your fight against sin in this COVID-19 waiting period and the shame that follows. The loss of endurance and perseverance. The loss of hope in hard situations. The loss of closeness in relationships. The loss of interactions with friends and family. And oftentimes, when we feel losses, it makes our souls full of unrest and turbulence. We feel exhausted even with our minds racing all the time. Uncertainty and suffering leads to unrest.

Peter means to prepare this church (and us!) to suffer as exiles who are not yet home and to spread the beauty of Christ in uncertainty. Last week, Bruce Power showed us that Peter’s audience was to respond to persecution with gentleness toward others and a trembling before God. How could they do that? They would set apart Jesus as Lord in their hearts. They would be submitted to him. Ready to obey him. Ready to return blessing for cursing because they knew the commands of Christ were meant to lead to the life of Christ. Even though it would have been tempting to avoid, assimilate, or become aggressive, they would be ready to engage with courageous humility flowing from hope in Christ.

Our text today is meant to show these believers—and us—the example of Christ and the victory of Christ. In other words, it is meant to remind them that Christ suffered unjustly and that they can follow in his footsteps. And it is meant to remind them that their souls can be at rest with an uncertain future because ultimate victory is already secured.

They do not need to wonder about their final outcome. I hope by the end of this text today you’ll feel fresh confidence and rest filling your soul.

The Atonement of Christ (1 Peter 3:18) 

So let me help us situate these strange five verses in our book. Remember with me the last words before these verses and look with me at the first words after these verses:

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.—1 Peter 3:17

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.—1 Peter 4:1

So this text we are in today is crunched between those two texts calling believers to suffer. It’s clearly meant to be fuel for believers’ endurance of the uncertain future and suffering by refreshing their souls in the suffering and victory of Jesus Christ as their example and their hope. 

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.—1 Peter 3:18a

Here is the best news in the world and the main point of our text. Where do we look for our example of righteous suffering? Where do we look for our hope? Where do we look for rest for our souls?

The God-man, Jesus Christ, suffered once-for-all for sins. Do you feel out of reach of God’s love because of your sin? Look to Christ! The sacrifice has been made once-for-all. Do you think you are too unrighteous and too far gone for that sacrifice? He was perfectly righteous! He lived the life you could never live, and if you trust him, you are clothed in his righteousness. He took your place. God cannot be punishing you or turning away from you because of your sin if you trust in Jesus. He punished Jesus on your behalf and turned away from Jesus so that he would never turn away from you. 

And why did Jesus come? To bring us to God. This is what brings ultimate rest for our souls. We were created to be in fellowship with God. And Jesus brings us to God. Our souls can be at rest eternally in Christ with God. That is the good news of the gospel. We were born into sin. Our relationship with the God of the universe was broken. But Christ came, he became a curse for us, and in him—by faith in him—we are brought to God and he becomes our Father. We are transferred from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the blood-bought family. 

This is the good news that outweighs all the other unsettling news we see. We. Get. God. We are his and he is ours, bought with the precious blood of Christ. We must meditate on this. Set our minds on this. The ultimate good news of the gospel is not a get-out-of-hell-free card—though that is good news. It is not ultimately that every tear will be wiped away and all sin will be gone—though that is good news. The ultimate good news of the gospel is that Christ has brought us to God by his atonement for our sins. This is the main point, and now Peter goes on in this verse to begin to unpack how Christ accomplished this.

… Being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.—1 Peter 3:18b

Jesus, the God-man, took on flesh so that he could die a criminal’s death on a cross for our sins. But he was made alive in the spirit. I think this is referring to his glorified, spiritual body (Philippians 3:20, 1 Corinthians 15) that would never die again. The contrast here is between his fleshly body and his spiritual resurrection body. The atonement is good news, but it gets better because he didn’t stay dead. If Jesus was still dead, we would be people most to be pitied. But he is alive in a new spiritual, glorified body that will never die again, and therefore we have a living, eternal hope because we know that not only did he pay for our sins, but he also conquered death on our behalf. 

This is what sustains believers in the worst of times. This is what sustained Marlin Olson. He knew Christ had atoned for his sins and conquered death. Family, Peter doesn’t mean to have us forget the troubles of this life; he simply wants to remind us that they don’t define our ultimate hope or existence. We belong to a victorious kingdom. Suffering is part of that kingdom now. But no loss on this earth defines us. The atonement of Christ for sins and the resurrection of Christ to conquer death defines us. We are more than conquerors in Christ.

No matter what the world or the devil throws our way and no matter the suffering or uncertainty, no one can take our victory in Christ; we will be with God forever!

The Announcement of Christ (1 Peter 3:19–20) 

OK, with that main point clear—let’s get to the crazy stuff. There are apparently 180 different interpretations of this passage. This is God’s word, and he means for us to see beauty here.

… In which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.—1 Peter 3:19–20

Let me just quickly tell you two views I don’t agree with. View 1 says that this is referring to Jesus going and preaching in hell between his death and resurrection. The reason that I disagree is that, according to 1 Peter, this preaching happens in his resurrection body. View 2 says that somehow Jesus went and preached through Noah. Again, I think this preaching happened after Jesus was made alive again.

So let’s ask a few questions. Who are the “spirits in prison”? What do they have to do with Noah? Why does Peter care in this spot in his letter? 

Well, throughout the New Testament the plural form of “spirits” refers to demonic angelic beings every time except for one. So that’s a clue for us. Likely, Jesus in his glorified body has a message for some demonic spirits. Let me read a quick cross-reference:

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly.—2 Peter 2:4–5 

So the plural of spirits and this cross-reference from Peter about disobedient spirits being kept “in chains” followed again by a reference to Noah tells me that we are on the right path to a glorified Christ preaching to disobedient demonic angels. So who is Jesus talking to?

Well, if you go to Genesis 6, right before the story of Noah and the flood we have this story of these “sons of God” (normally an Old Testament phrase for angels) sinning by procreating with women on earth. Right after that story, God sees the complete wickedness and decides to flood the earth.

Peter sees that event as a picture of the complete wickedness of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Men are evil in their hearts. The demonic forces are always working. And it makes the world an evil place hostile to God and all who trust him. And how does God respond in that story in Genesis 6? Peter tells us. 

… When God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.—1 Peter 3:20b 

God patiently waited for a time while the ark was built. He was patient. Ready to forgive. Yet, only eight people trusted God and got in the ark. Those eight were saved! The rest of the humans were destroyed and await the Day of Judgment, and the wicked angels that were part of the evil happening were imprisoned, awaiting the Day of Judgment.

This is our God. How patient he is with us in our sin! He provides a way of escape if we will trust his word. He will make a way to avoid judgment if we will turn to him, even today. Yet he will not excuse evil—not from humans, not from fallen angels.

And so when Jesus rises from the dead in his glorified body, it is a proclamation to these demonic forces that they have lost! Jesus has risen again and declared victory over sin, death, and the devil! None of those plans can prosper because of the eternal purposes of God fulfilled in King Jesus. 

And, in this reference, we are also supposed to see that Jesus Christ is our ark. By faith in Jesus we are in him and escape the waters of judgment that crashed on Christ at the cross. He keeps us safe and will ultimately punish those who mock us or hurt us. It is worth it to follow Jesus and to trust him because that is where ultimate safety and eternal joy are found—even though it can often seem like the devil, the world, and sin are winning. It simply isn’t true, and Jesus declares this to the demonic realm that seeks to undo God’s eternal plans.

The Appeal to Christ (1 Peter 3:21)

And as Peter’s mind wanders to a people being saved through the waters of judgment, his mind is brought to the symbol that represents that in the Christian faith: baptism.

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. —1 Peter 3:21

Peter remembers the way God saved Noah and his family through the waters of judgment and sees a connection. Water is a strong Old Testament symbol for judgment and chaos. That’s why, when we get to Revelation, it is a big deal when it says:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.—Revelation 21:1

So baptism is meant to represent, as Pastor Daniel often says, that our old man is buried with Jesus under the waters of judgment and that we are raised up with him to new life.

How does baptism save you? Is this teaching baptismal regeneration? No. Peter is careful to say that right away: “Not as a removal of filth from the flesh.” In other words, baptism is not some kind of ritualistic cleansing that earns your moral purity before God. Well then, what is it?

It’s a crying out to God for a good conscience that is brought about by the resurrection of Christ. The word here for crying out has the idea of making a pledge or sealing a legal contract. In this moment of baptism, you are saying to God, “I believe in the death and resurrection of Christ! You’ve saved me. I’m all in. You’re my hope. I could never remove my own filth. But you’ve removed it for me. This is my pledge and my plea for your help to follow you all of my days. Keep me and help me walk in new resurrection power by the resurrection life of Christ!”

So baptism is a pledge and plea from the believer based on the finished work of Christ, saying, “I am saved by your finished work—help me follow you! Keep helping me follow you.” In every culture, universally around the world, all nations have made baptism the moment of proclamation that they are “all in” to follow Jesus, alienating themselves from friends and family, and pleading with him to keep them faithful for the uncertain future they face. When you get baptized, you are putting on the jersey of Jesus and pledging to play on his team every moment of your life in front of your other teammates. 

Peter wants them to remember that they’ve made this pledge and that God will be faithful to keep his promises and sustain them—because like Noah, they’ve trusted him, they are in Christ like Noah was in the ark, and God will bring them through the waters of judgment to ultimate safety and will be sure to punish the unjust.

All of our life is a living out of this pledge to spread the beauty of Jesus Christ wherever he has placed us by his resurrection power in the midst of uncertainty and a broken world.

The Ascension of Christ  (1 Peter 3:22)

… Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

And lest we wonder if our King is still on his throne and in control, Peter leaves no doubt for these suffering believers. Jesus is in heaven at the right hand of God. Reigning and interceding for us. Nothing happening outside of his control. Reigning over all angels, authorities, and powers. This is our King.

He came and paid the price for our sin. He rose again. He declared his victory over the demonic forces. He saves us and hears our pleas in the waters of baptism to sustain us. He hears our pleas from the throne of God where he reigns in complete control.

This is a picture of ultimate victory. Do you feel like the world is out of control right now? It kind of is. I mean, 2020 has been a ride. It’s not over. It’s wild. But, it’s not out of our King’s control. How have you made it? Your King reigns. He’s keeping you.

The mission of Christ to save sinners and therefore the mission of the church has not stopped. He will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. He will sustain his people, and no one will snatch them out of his hand. He is still saving, sustaining, and carrying his blood-bought family because he is reigning from his throne. No evil demonic force, no evil human beings, no horrible worldviews, no undoing of the morals of our country, no angry, relationship-breaking rant on social media, and no amount of suffering or death can undo his plans and purposes.

Application: Our Rest in His (Our!) Victory

So can I plead with you to gaze on this Savior with me? Gaze on his atoning death that pays for your sins and covers your shame and brings you to God! Gaze on his resurrection from the dead that conquers death and means that we have a living hope and eternal life! Gaze on his victory over demonic forces that would seek to undo you and conquer his kingdom. Gaze on his ascension to the right hand of God where he reigns with all power! Let’s look at three promises that show the connection between his total control and our rest of soul. 

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. … And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.—Matthew 28:18, 20

The all-powerful one is with you. Can your soul begin to rest in the midst of uncertainty?

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.—Matthew 11:28

The offer stands. Will you go to him now? With your sin? With your shame? With your suffering? With your fears? With your losses?

 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.—John 14:3

This is not your home. Jesus is preparing your eternal home with him. He will come again. This life is short. He is reigning. He has purchased you. He will bring you home. It is worth following in his footsteps in suffering. It is worth following him and filling this place with the beauty of our King who has all the power, promises to be with us, promises to give us rest, and promises to bring us home. Will you set your mind on things above? Will you bring your worry to the Word? Will you bring your sadness to your Savior? Jesus atoned for our sin. Jesus rose again over death. Jesus was victorious over all sinful humans and demonic forces. And Jesus is reigning now. Rest in him today. 

Sermon Discussion Questions

Outline

Introduction: Our Unrest in Our Losses

1. The Atonement of Christ (1 Peter 3:18)
2. The Announcement of Christ (1 Peter 3:19–20)
3. The Appeal to Christ (1 Peter 3:21)
4. The Ascension of Christ (1 Peter 3:22)

Application: Our Rest in His (Our!) Victory

Discussion Questions

• Where do you perceive the places of unrest in your soul? Where have you felt a loss in your life recently? Do you see a correlation?
• What is the ultimate goal of the work of Christ? How does this goal change our perspective on what we have or don’t have? How does it change how we view loss?
• To whom did Christ announce his victory? Why was he announcing it to them? What can we learn about our salvation that correlates to the salvation and judgment in Noah’s day?
• How does baptism “save”? What does Peter mean by that? What is baptism meant to be? Why does Peter bring it up now?
• Where is Christ now? Who is subjected to him? How does that bring us hope in suffering?
• How does the victory of Christ bring rest for our souls practically? Are you living in that rest today? Where can you lay down your fears and trust in his promises?