Water baptism

 1 Peter 3:21 "The figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save.us (not putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"

Peter is teaching that 8 people were in the ark and went through the judgment unharmed, it is comparable to the Christian's experience of salvation being in Christ, the ark of one's salvation.

Baptism... By the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Peter is not teaching water baptism, but he is teaching a figurative into a union with Christ as an ark of safety from God's judgment. Christ's resurrection demonstrates God's acceptance of Christ's substitutionary death for the sins of those who believe ( Acts 2:30-31; Romans 1:4).

"Baptism doth also now save us": does not mean water baptism is essential to salvation. It can't wash away the "filth of the flesh," Baptism is a testimony of one's faith in the resurrection because it symbolizes our resurrection with Him.

To be sure nobody misunderstands him; Peter clearly says he is not talking about water baptism when he says " Not putting away the filth of the flesh."

Water baptism is the outward show of the death of the body and rising from the water into a new life with Christ our redeemer. The real baptism that will save us is the changing of the heart. 

Baptism

 Baptism is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism publicly acknowledges one's confession of faith and belief in the gospel message. It also symbolizes the sinner's entrance into the community of believers (the church).

What is Baptism? Biblical Meaning and Definition

What is Baptism? Biblical Meaning and Definition

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

What’s the Purpose of … Baptism? - Tim Challies

What’s the Purpose of … Baptism? - Tim Challies

Infant baptism

 was originated in the Roman Catholic conquest with Constantine. It was started when people defeated were required to join the Church. It was perpetuated when that Church taught that baptism removed pre-conversion sin, and that conversion could not take place until original sin was covered. Thus, it carries the message that what Christ brought to us in the Church could be improved upon. Until then, baptism was limited to newly converted Adults, teens and children. And when I say converted, I strictly mean "born again