The account of Noah (and his family) is a “type” of salvation by grace. The account tells us about Noah’s faith in what God told him – even though he couldn’t see what was happening, he trusted God. Noah and his family passed through the waters. The flood waters in this type represents condemnation, not salvation (being sealed into the arc) and not the means to salvation (faith and trust in God’s Word).
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of 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: 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 3:18-22 (ESV)
It is not the act of baptism which saves (“the removal of dirt from the flesh”), but what baptism signifies—the appeal to God for a good conscience.
**The flood waters in this type represents condemnation, not salvation (being sealed into the arc) and not the means to salvation (faith and trust in God’s Word).**
Peter said they were saved by water. It’s what took the sinful world away from Noah and his family.
The Israelites were saved by water. The Egyptian army was the curse of death and bondage. Water took that curse away.
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever”. Ex. 14:13
**It is not the act of baptism which saves (“the removal of dirt from the flesh”), but what baptism signifies—the appeal to God for a good conscience.**
You are rewriting 1Peter 3:21. Look:
Your words: **It is not the act of baptism which saves**
God’s words: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..”.
Your words: **(“the removal of dirt from the flesh”),**
God’s words: “(NOT the putting away of the filth of the flesh..”
Your words: **but what baptism signifies—the appeal to God for a good conscience.**
God’s words: “..but the answer of a good conscience toward God,)”
You see, when you are taught to believe that water baptism simply signifies something (like the unscriptural: outward sign of an inward cleaning), one has, at the least, downgraded the commands of the Lord and his apostles.
As such, one actually is trying to word Mark 16:16 this way:
“He that believe the, is saved, and should be baptized....”.
And Acts 2:38 this way:
“..Repent and receive the Holy Spirit to be saved, and be baptized....”.