[BlackAdderess]

Jesus was lifted up on the cross and was subsequently lifted up from the grave, the serpent on a stick was symbolic foreshadowing (for want of a better word).

[LearsFool]

So both actually took place. Neither one was merely figurative, they were both actual events. They're similar in the lifting up.

Likewise, both Noah's salvation and the salvation of the sinner take place. They're similar in the element of water.

This is why Peter says water saved Noah, and water baptism saves us.

It's not "a way to show which team we are on", but how we sign up for that team. It's not that "the symbolism is less important than the faith behind it in accepting the gift of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice." Rather, baptism is an act of obedience to God in faith, and by it we receive the gift of salvation made available through Christ's sacrifice.

That's why Peter says baptism saves us: "And baptism, which is a figure, does now also save you" (Amplified Bible)

[redleghunter]

I know two theologians one a ThD who likes the AMP Bible. For the very reason you give.