1 Peter 3:21 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.
The Great Flood of Noah is used as a figurative image (“like figure”) for Christian Baptism. In the Ark ”eight persons were brought safely through water [verse 20].” In baptism we are ”brought safely through water.” That is the promise for us: Baptism does also now save us. In the Flood, God rejectors and unbelievers drowned and died; faithful believers were saved from death for life.. In baptism, the old man, the sinful flesh, drowns and dies; a new man comes forth and arises to new life. Baptism saves by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In baptism, God gives forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
It is not the outward, physical bathing of the body cleansing away dirt, but it is the inward, spiritual cleansing of sin from the soul. Baptism gives us a clean conscience toward God, so that we may live in His Presence forever and enjoy His glorious Holiness, Light, and Beauty forever in His Kingdom.
The baptismal promise also affects our daily earthly life every day. Baptism is one time event, but its power continues to work throughout life. As Christians, we remember our baptism every day and every week. What happens daily is that the old man drowns and dies daily and the new man arises to new life. We do this by repentance and faith in the gospel. We need the promise to be in effect because the deceitfulness of Sin within, the pull of the World without, and the lies of the Devil are always around and in us. Exercising God-given repentance and faith renews the soul, lifts the spirit, and makes us feel better.
Baptism doth also now save us, once for all for heaven and continually through earthly life. We are saved from sin, death, and hell for good works that we should walk in them.