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 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:
Christian baptism does not wash physical dirt from the body. Baptism is joined to salvation and everlasting life through Christ, who redeemed humanity from Adam's fall and made life available to every person who takes hold of His life. Baptism is a solemn pledge made before heaven to come out from the world and take a stand under Christ's banner. Those who are baptized become laborers together with God to make His will known to those perishing in sin, and are therefore to study Scripture diligently to understand God's will and do it wholeheartedly, sowing truth in human hearts for a harvest for God.
The ark points to an ark of safety in Christ, with those outside it still needing salvation. God's work is reaching those outside and bringing them into safety in Christ, gathering souls into the ark. Everyone can labor for the salvation of those outside the ark from love for souls for whom Christ died, by unselfish work each day, sowing seeds of kind words and unselfish deeds and seeking for souls in the highways and byways of life.