Quote:
Originally Posted by Rico
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV)
21 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:
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What is Peter saying?
Water baptism is a figure or picture of salvation in that we declare that we have died to sin so we are publicly burying the old person we were and showing that we have been risen to a new life in Christ.
Water baptism does not actually wash away any dirt or filth or sins since it is symbolic or a figure.
It is the answer/response of a good conscience toward God. In other words, we are justified/saved/regenerated so we respond by being baptized as a public demonstration of what God has already done in us, to us, and for us.