Peter Against Original Sin

Original Sin as a false theory was the basis of the development of infant baptism, without infant baptism Luther would not have conceptualized "Faith Only" after infant baptism.

Catholics viewed the baby as carrying Adam's sin, and the baby's flesh was evil.

In their view Baptism removes the sin of Adam and frees the flesh of corruption.

Peter spoke against this view. Saying baptism was a matter of the consciounce toward the resurrection.

1Pe 3:21 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:

Peter isn't assuming flesh is depraved from birth, he is just teaching baptism isn't for the removal of depravity.

Peter did not conceptualize baptism affecting the nature of flesh, as do Catholics and Lutherans. Peter did not say the presence of the Holy Spirit gave us a grace to automactically overcome sin. Irresistable grace.

The word filth here is sometimes tied to corruption or depravity. Not total depravity, but depravity of morals we often possess even after being baptized.

Peter did not see baptism removing fleshly depravity, that the flesh is a source of temptation. Nor did Paul who saw himself sinful after his baptism.

2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The Corinthians were already baptized, but carried with them this same depravity or filthiness.

Gal 4:14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

2Co 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

Baptism did not cleanse original sin so our flesh would become immortal.

Baptism did not cleanse sinfulness from temptation of flesh, we are required to make these adjustments and to bear temptation.

This is another point against faith only post baptism. We must cleanse ourselves by walking after the Spirit.

Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

ῥύπος

rhupos

hroo'-pos

Of uncertain affinity; dirt, that is, (moral) depravity: - filth.