There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
(1 Peter 3:21 NKJV)

baptism saves us

Peter previously informed his readers that they had purified their souls in obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:22) having been born again, through the word of God (1 Peter 1:23). In this same epistle he elaborates on one of these saving acts—baptism (1 Peter 3:21).

Peter is not saying that baptism alone saves from sin. Three decades before writing this epistle, he spoke to a great audience in Jerusalem. When they asked him what they should do (Acts 2:37), he replied, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38). If they had to repent and be baptized, then baptism alone would not save. Other passages require faith and a confession of Jesus (Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9-10).

When some people find a verse that mentions faith, they delight in assuming that the Lord’s plan is salvation by faith alone. If this “game” works for passages that mention faith, why would it not work the same way in 1 Peter 3:21—we are saved by baptism alone? Well, are we saved by baptism alone? No! Are we saved by faith alone? No! (Cf. James 2:14-26.)

Baptism is an antitype of Noah’s salvation: as Noah and his family were saved by passing through water, even so a sinner must pass through the water of baptism to be saved. Noah’s salvation was a type (figure) of our salvation from sin. Note Peter’s precise language: “there is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism.” Baptism is the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26) that now saves us. Who can deny it?

– Rick Duggin