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: (1 Pet 3:20,21)
1. The context of this passage is the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. That is in fact the basis of our salvation. Christ and the finished work of Christ.
2. How were eight souls (Noah's family) saved during the Flood? By entering into the Ark. The water under the Ark caused it to float, but it was the Ark itself by which Noah's family was saved. And the Ark is a type (or "figure") of Christ.
3. Christian baptism is here shown as "the answer of a good conscience toward God". So in what sense does baptism "save" us? When we repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ all our sins are forgiven, and our conscience is cleansed from guilt. So we have a good conscience before God when we are baptized. Christian baptism and conversion are shown as being inseparable in Scripture (Mk 16:15,16). But we are not saved by water. We are justified (saved) by grace through faith in Christ and His finished work of redemption. And we must be baptized thereafter.
never said by water but the promise of God yo wash us in the Christian ritual of baptism ez 36:25-27
acts 22:16
God washes away sin in His graces sacraments