Jesus taught that “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). In the apostolic church, baptism automatically followed acceptance of Christ. It was confirmation of the new believer’s faith; it still is today. JTL16 5.1
The apostle Peter used the experience of Noah during the Flood to illustrate the relationship between baptism and salvation. Sin, with its accompanying violence and immorality, had become so rampant that God warned the world through Noah to repent or face destruction. Only eight persons believed, entered the ark, and “were saved through water.” Peter describes it this way: “There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:20, 21). JTL16 5.2
Peter explains that we are saved by baptism as Noah and his family were saved through water. Of course, God, not the flood waters, saved Noah. By analogy, it is the blood of Christ, not the water of baptism, that removes sin from the believer. JTL16 5.3