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:
1 Peter 3:21
The first thing to note is the phrase in parentheses. Items in ( ) are not grammatically connected to the sentence but are added information. You can take what is between the ( ) out and put at the end to be evaluated later. Hence, the first independent clause of the compound sentence contained in verses 21-22 reads:
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
We see that baptism is being spoken of as a like figure of the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Baptism does not save us, it is a picture, a similitude, of our salvation.
Now the parentheses add a further explanation so we will not fail to understand that it is not being put into the water to have the filth of our flesh, sins, wash away but giving us a good conscience toward God.
(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,)
2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
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