1 Peter 3:21

The like figure whereunto, even baptism; or, baptism, the antitype of which; that is, baptism which was in a certain way foreshadowed in the salvation of Noah and his family by water.

Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh; it is not the use of water merely, or the purifying of the body that saves us;

but the answer of a good conscience toward God; the literal rendering is, the inquiry of a good conscience towards God. Some, as our English version, understand the word inquiry of the whole process of questioning and answering in connection with the baptism of a convert. The meaning will then be, the belief and sincere profession of the gospel, in which obedience to its commands is necessarily included. Others explain the words as meaning, the seeking of a good conscience after God. Taken either way, the idea is for substance the same.

By the resurrection of-Christ; which was the proof that his atonement was accepted as a propitiation for the sins of men. 1 John 2:2

Faith and obedience in this life, in those who know the will of God, have ever been essential to salvation; and both his providences and his ordinances have been suited to impress this on their minds.