In 1 Peter 3:21 KJV, the inspired writer declares, “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.” To which some of our denominational friends might say, “Do you not see, baptism is only a figure of our salvation – it is definitely an outward sign of an inward grace.” But that conclusion is a distortion of the wording in Peter’s statement. Based upon the general admission that Peter is talking about water baptism (and he is), let us consider the following conclusions:1) Baptism is obviously a figure (type – a thing resembling or corresponding to another – a counterpart). But of what is it a type? The text gives us the answer. 1 Peter 3:21 speaks of baptism as a “like figure” (or type), connecting back to the thought in 1 Peter 3:20. Peter had just said, “….God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” Peter’s comparison is between Noah’s salvation by the flood’s waters and our salvation by water baptism.
2) Let us note that when God sent the flood upon the earth, its design was to destroy all evil men, to rid the earth of all corruption (Genesis 6; Genesis 7). The flood accomplished that and when the water subsided. Noah walked out of the ark and into a clean new world (Genesis 8). In the same way, when one is baptized in water, he comes forth from that baptism into a clean new life. It is from baptism that we are raised to “….walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4b).
3) If one admits that 1 Peter 3:21 is discussing water baptism, it must also be admitted that water baptism is the subject of the simple sentence which reads, “….baptism doth also now save us.” The qualifying phrases and clauses merely explain what water baptism is and is not, but do not contradict or annul this simple sentence.
Other scriptures tell us of our need for God’s love and grace, of Christ’s sacrifice for sin, and God’s commands to hear, believe, confess Christ, and repent (Romans 10:17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1-10; John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30). Therefore, Peter is not affirming that baptism “alone” saves us. But such observations do not set aside the simplest, most straightforward interpretation of the language in the passage – "baptism saves us." Peter does not say that the good conscience saves nor does he say that baptism is a "symbol" of our salvation. He simply states, “….baptism doth also now save us.” When we obey the inspired command “to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:48), we are demonstrating to God that we have fulfilled a condition of salvation, and thus can give Him “the answer of a good conscience” (1 Peter 3:21b) in fulfilling that command (Matthew 7:21; cf. John 14:15,21,23; John 15:10).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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