1 Peter 3:20-21
“...God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
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:”
I believe the water mentioned in 1 Peter 3:20-21 pertains to water baptism for the following reasons:
1.The water was the means God used to carry Noah and his family to safety. The sin of the world was washed away in the flood waters. The like figure or antitype is the NT water baptism. (Acts 2:38, 22:16)
2. Notice verse 21 makes specific mention of the process having nothing to do with the removal of filth from the flesh. (This is a reference to bath water) Thus, the comment points to a spiritual transaction taking place.
3. The scripture mentions that baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God. Our own behavior, and in this particular case getting baptized, is what prompts a good conscience. The result is to be free of guilt. God is the giver of the Holy Ghost and we have no control over that other than asking for Him to give it.
4. Lastly, the scripture specifies this is only made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
it’s for sure a reference to baptism for remission of sins into Christ peters point here
“The scripture mentions that baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God.”
“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: Who is
gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
1 Peter 3:21-22 KJV
the thing that clears our conscience is because we’re taught and believe what he said baptism means of we accept this part ot cleanses our conscience
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and
be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 2:38 KJV
it’s what God has said will remove our sins so it becomes a pledge from God that if we believe the gospel repent and get baptized our sins are gone. And the
holy spirit can begin to manifest himself in our mind and heart through our belief hearing and believing Gods promises like this
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Mark 16:15-16 KJV
it’s never our action but always our belief in what God said will happen if we do what he said to do , it’s faith . In this case get baptized into christs name , and your sins will be remitted. But what makes it important and effective is if we first hear and then believe and doing becomes a result of faith
faith always involves a word of instruction and with it a great blessing in this case “ of you believe the gospel and get baptized our sins are remitted according to Gods pledge and our faith in him
It includes us with him on the cross , and that includes us in the resurrection of the righteous