Peter really means we are not saved by baptism but he writes:
Peter tells us that baptism now saves you,
yet when Peter uses this phrase he continues in the same sentence to explain exactly what he means by it. He says that baptism now saves you-
not the removal of dirt from the flesh (that is, not as an outward, physical act which washes dirt from the body--that is not what saves you), "but an appeal to God for a good conscience," through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (that is, as an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction that is
symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism).
We could paraphrase Peter's statement by saying, "Baptism now saves you--not the outward physical ceremony of baptism but the inward spiritual reality which baptism represents." By saying,
"not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Peter guards against saving power to the physical ceremony itself.
*BTY 1 Peter 3:20 does not teach that Noah and his family were literally saved "by" the water (See Hebrews 11:7), but were
saved "through" water --
brought safely through the water (ASV; NIV; NKJV: NASB; ESV).
Peter really means we should be baptized to show we have already had our sins forgiven and have already received the gift of the Holy Spirit but he writes:
*See Acts 10:43 - "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name
everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because
the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them
speaking with tongues and exalting God. (BEFORE WATER BAPTISM) Then Peter answered, 47
"Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?"
Will you ever have the courage to just take a peek behind your faith alone regeneration theology? Just a peek?
I've done more than take a peek. I was raised in the Roman Catholic church and was beat over the head with the false doctrine of baptismal regeneration for years. *Once you come to believe in the name of the Son of God and know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13) there is no more peeking or second guessing whether or not
Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption alone and not based on the merits of our works (Romans 3:24-28; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).
Christ's finished work of redemption is sufficient and complete to save believers. No supplements needed. Will you ever have the courage to just take a peek behind your "water and works" regeneration theology? Just a peek?