Topical Bible: Water: Water of Salvation

◄ Water: Water of Salvation ►

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Water holds profound significance throughout the biblical narrative, symbolizing purification, life, and divine blessing. In the context of salvation, water serves as a powerful metaphor for the cleansing and renewal that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of water as a means of salvation is rooted in the Old Testament. In the account of Noah, water is both a means of judgment and salvation. The floodwaters cleanse the earth of wickedness, while Noah and his family are saved through the ark (Genesis 6-9). This dual role of water as both destructive and redemptive prefigures the New Testament understanding of baptism.

The Exodus narrative further illustrates water's salvific role. The Israelites' passage through the Red Sea marks their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. As Moses stretched out his hand, the LORD parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, while the pursuing Egyptians were drowned (Exodus 14:21-31). This event is celebrated as a divine act of salvation and is often referenced in Scripture as a symbol of God's saving power.

Prophetic Imagery

The prophets frequently use water imagery to convey spiritual truths. Isaiah speaks of drawing "water from the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3), highlighting the refreshing and life-giving nature of God's deliverance. Ezekiel's vision of the temple includes a river flowing from the sanctuary, bringing life and healing wherever it goes (Ezekiel 47:1-12). This imagery points to the transformative power of God's presence and the ultimate restoration of creation.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, water becomes a central symbol of the new covenant in Christ. John the Baptist's ministry of baptism in the Jordan River calls people to repentance and prepares the way for Jesus (Matthew 3:1-6). Jesus Himself is baptized, not for repentance, but to fulfill all righteousness and to inaugurate His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17).

Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well further illuminates the theme of water as salvation. He offers her "living water," promising that "whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life" (John 4:14). Here, water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and grants eternal life.

Baptism and the Church

Baptism, as instituted by Christ, is a sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith. It signifies the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul writes, "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). Through baptism, believers publicly declare their faith and receive the promise of salvation.

Peter also emphasizes the salvific aspect of baptism, stating, "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). This underscores the spiritual cleansing and renewal that baptism represents.

Eschatological Hope

The book of Revelation culminates the biblical theme of water as salvation. In the new heaven and new earth, the "river of the water of life" flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, providing eternal sustenance and healing to the nations (Revelation 22:1-2). This vision encapsulates the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where His people will dwell in His presence, fully restored and eternally satisfied.

Throughout Scripture, water serves as a profound symbol of God's saving work, pointing to the cleansing, life-giving, and transformative power of His grace through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 12:3
Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation.
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Isaiah 49:10
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that has mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
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Isaiah 55:1
Ho, every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
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Ezekiel 36:25
Then will I sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
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John 4:10
Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that said to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked of him, and he would have given you living water.
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John 7:38
He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
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Library

Commentaries and Standards on the Birth of Water and Spirit.
... as salvation comprehends two facts, pardon and regeneration, so really did Jesus
sum in two words, Water and Spirit, the whole of salvation, and consequently ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/commentaries and standards on the.htm

The Well-Spring of Salvation
... There are not so many there as men have found out for themselves to bring the water
of salvation to their lips, and the effect has always been the same. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the well-spring of salvation.htm

The Water of Life (Preached at Westminster Abbey)
... with great pomp from the pool of Siloam; connecting it with the words of the prophet:
'With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.' But the ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon i the water of.htm

Jesus the Christ.
... the words of Isaiah 12:3: "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells
of salvation," and saw in it a type of the effusion of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus the christ.htm

Jesus at the Well.
... of the prophet who had touched her conscience, excited her thirst for the water
of life, and led her from Jacob's well to the fountain of salvation, and from ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at the well.htm

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
... It gives us the forgiveness of sins, redeems us from death and the Devil, and gives
eternal salvation to all who believe this ... How can water do such great things ...
/.../luther/the small catechism of martin luther/iv the sacrament of holy.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... The proper effect of blood is to cover sin; but because the water runs in that ... sinner,
and "Christ is the peace-maker." A tender of life and salvation is made ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii my little children.htm

At Jacob's Well.
... The woman saith unto him, "Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither ... that
which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/at jacobs well.htm

Naaman the Syrian and the Jordan. No Other Stream Has the Same ...
... after sacred Jordan, are led to remember with longing their own river of salvation. ...
who wish to drink the waters of Egypt, and desert the water which comes ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/28 naaman the syrian and.htm

In Christ all are Free. The Jews Hope for Salvation in Vain ...
... The Jews hope for salvation in vain because they are sons of Abraham ... drink of the
living fountain of God, but of broken cisterns which can hold no water, as the ...
/.../chapter cxl in christ all are.htm