1Pe_3:20-21

1 Peter 3:20-21
"...When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by (through) water. (20) The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh [i.e. our sins], but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (21)

Several years ago, my wife and I were listening to the car radio, having just tuned into a religious broadcast.  After a few minutes, the minister quoted one sentence from 1 Peter 3:21, that being "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us"—period!  He did not finish the verse; but, went on to explain, at great length, the necessity of baptism for salvation.

Again, I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of reading all of a verse, including the surrounding text, to receive the correct interpretation and meaning.  In 2 Timothy 2:15 we are instructed to "rightly" divide the Word of Truth;" NOT "rightly chop up the Word of Truth!"

Since from 1 Peter 3:21 begins with "the like figure," it is referring to that which is set forth in from 1 Peter 3:20. It should be noticed that in from 1 Peter 3:20, the "eight souls that were saved by water" should be translated "saved through water"; NOT, "by water." The eight were saved from the flood waters by being in the ark—a type of Christ. They were not saved by the water for it was that which destroyed! Therefore, "the like figure" is figurative of the ark of Christ which provided absolute safety from the flood waters of death. The flood waters testify of death; and the ark, of resurrection. Notice Genesis 8:4, "And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat."

It is not by chance that the ark (A type of Christ) rested on the mountain on the 7th month, on the 17th day. Centuries later, God changed the calendar.  Noah's calendar was in effect until the emancipation of Israel from Egypt; and, God then instituted their religious calendar.  The first month of Israel's religious calendar was the same as the 7th month of Noah's secular calendar, or our April.  The Jewish Passover, representing Christ's death, was on the 14th day (Leviticus 23:4-5); therefore, Christ was resurrected three days later on the 17th, the same day the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat, showing resurrection.

Conclusion: Baptism does not save us; but, identifies us publicly, showing our faith is in the death, and Resurrection  of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus.

Returning to 1 Peter 3:21 where the phrase "baptism doth also now save us" is explained within the verse, itself.  Here we have the "negative" and the "positive."  The "negative" tells us what baptism does not save us from.  Here is the record...

"...not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,... (i.e. our sins)."

Now the "positive" telling us what baptism does save us from, that being a GUILTY CONSCIENCE before God. Again, the record...

"...but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

How simple the Scriptures are when we are willing to accept God's Word as our Authority.  A child of God is saved by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9); but, will be void of a good, clear conscience; until they are willing to be identified with Christ by their public baptism.

"Go ye therefore, and teach (i.e. make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (19) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:19-20