1 Peter 3:21-22 21And baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the flesh but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Peter shifts the imagery of water from Noah’s flood in verse 20 to the water of baptism. The ancient story of how Noah and his family were rescued from the waters by the ark reminded Peter of the importance of water for cleansing away dirt. The water of the great flood washed away the wicked people, leaving a fresh start for Noah and his family. Baptism represents the cleansing that happens when our hearts are made pure by God. Water baptism is a sign of the conscience that is clear before God. This can only happen when one has been sanctified completely to God and by God. Baptism is an outward sign of the inward change God has made to us. Paul the Apostle states a similar idea in Romans 6:3–11, where baptism represents death, or the complete rejection, of the old life under bondage to sin, and resurrection to a new life of full commitment in holiness to God.
Baptism saves a person, not because of the physical act of getting the body wet, but because of the act of faith that is required for baptism to act at the symbol of the sanctification process. Baptism can be viewed as the beginning of the sanctifying work of God. It can also be interpreted as the symbol of the person who has come before God in completed consecration. Baptism represents a conscience that is clear and free from guilt before God. The conviction of sin has been repented, the old life rejected, and the new birth has come. The only way this can happen is because of the power of Jesus’ resurrection. He is victorious over the penalty of sin, which we experience through justification and forgiveness, and the power of sin, which we experience through sanctification and cleansing.
In verse 22, Peter confirms one of the primary confessions of Christians: Jesus has ascended to the right hand of God and is Lord. Everyone, including the hosts of heaven, will bow before him in worship (Philippians 2:5-11). Jesus’ resurrection from the dead proves his power over sin and death. His exaltation shows his supremacy as Lord. The place of the right hand shows his honor before the Father. Peter has gone from the suffering and crucified Christ, to the resurrected Christ, to the exalted Christ.
Peter’s claim here is consistent with many other passages in the New Testament, which indicates the united belief of early Christians based on historical events. As readers, we are confronted with the decision of what to do with Jesus. Will we acknowledge and accept his supremacy over creation? To confess Jesus as Lord necessitates that we also accept his supremacy over our own lives. Jesus cannot simply be a convenience or good luck charm. As honored and exalted Lord, he demands our worship, which will leads us to dedicate our whole beings to him in faith and obedience, living like he lived (1 John 1:7), which includes enduring unjust suffering.