“Baptism… now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21).

For many Christians, that verse is confusing or even ignored. In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover dig deep into what Scripture and historic Christianity actually teach about baptism.

They explore why the early Church never questioned God’s work through baptism, how the Reformation debates reshaped the conversation, and why understanding baptism as God’s work, not ours, brings lasting assurance.

You will hear:

• Why the question “Who’s doing the doing?” changes the whole conversation about baptism

• How baptism is tied to salvation, regeneration, and the gift of the Holy Spirit

• Why resisting infant baptism can undermine assurance of salvation

• How Old Testament foreshadowings like circumcision and ceremonial washings point to baptism

• What is wrong with treating baptism as just a public declaration

• Why faith is always in God’s promise, not in our feelings

Referenced Scripture:

1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16, Romans 6, Colossians 3, John 3, Hebrews, Ephesians 2:8–9

Recommended Resources:

• Dying to Live by Harold L. Senkbeil

• Lutheranism 101 (Concordia Publishing House)

• Lutheranism 101: Baptism (Concordia Publishing House)

Whether you are a lifelong Lutheran or exploring these ideas for the first time, this episode will challenge traditions, clarify misunderstandings, and point you back to the promises of God’s Word.

Listen and be reminded: If you have been baptized into Christ, you can rest in His work for you, no matter how you feel on any given day.

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