1 Peter 3:20-21 reads, “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.”
Peter describes baptism as an answer of a good conscience. Too often, teachers of the Word are advising people not to be baptized because it has nothing to do with salvation. Not only is this an incorrect statement, but it would also reveal the very opposite this text teaches. In other words, anyone refusing to be baptized would reveal a bad conscience. A good one would never refuse it. I would think this fact is supported by the fact that every example of conversion in the book of Acts ended with baptism.
Peter explains that baptism has nothing to do with a physical cleansing, even though it is a physical act of obedience (Rom. 6:17). Stating that it is not the cleansing of the flesh does not negate the physicality of it. Two points are of importance in defining baptism, here. First, the nature of the cleansing is not physical, but spiritual. Second, it is the answer or response of a good conscience. One cannot read the Bible long before reaching the conclusion that baptism is an act of faith (Gal. 3:26-27).
This explanation is further explained by the phrase, “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” One cannot be raised with Christ and thus obey the form of teaching (Rom. 6:17) without being buried with Christ in baptism. Further, one is not buried before death. While death to sin is so critical, the burial of that dead man (baptism) is made effective and effectual by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Christ did not remain in the grave, the burial of baptism implies a resurrection from the grave. The end result that we are seeking is the resurrection, which is a resurrection of life, not death. Baptism is that act of faith that accepts the promise of that resurrected life. It is the right thing to do and is the proper response or answer of a good conscience.