1 Peter 3:21 Salvation, Baptism, and the Resurrection of Christ

1 Peter 3:21 explains baptism as an antitype, a symbol of salvation through Christ’s resurrection. Baptism is not a physical act of cleansing, as stated in Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." It represents the "answer of a good conscience toward God," signifying faith in Christ and obedience to Him, as affirmed in Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." The power of baptism lies in Christ’s resurrection, as emphasized in Romans 6:4, "We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead... we also should walk in newness of life." This verse calls believers to repentance, genuine faith, and a transformed life that reflects the power of the resurrection.