(1 Peter 3:21) Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
That scripture does
not say that baptism is a requirement to survive Armageddon. It says that baptism is saving them, yes, but Peter even explains that the baptism was a
"request to God for a good conscience." The baptism showed that they were repentant. Compare what Peter said at Acts 2:38 to what he said at Acts 3:19.
(Acts 2:38) Repent, and let each one of you
be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.
(Acts 3:19) Repent, therefore, and
turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from Jehovah himself
And later in Acts Peter said this
:
(Acts 10:43) To him all the prophets bear witness, that
everyone putting faith in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
Ananias told Paul
:
(Acts 22:16) And now why are you delaying? Rise, get baptized, and
wash your sins away by your calling on his name.’
Though Ananias told Paul to get baptized, it was the "
calling on his name" that washed away his sins.
It is repentance and faith in Christ that blots out sin and provides forgiveness, and it is that which saves us. Baptism is just a symbol (public display) of our repentance and our belief. If baptism itself held power then an unrepentant non-believer could get baptized and be saved.
Note that Cornelius and his household were anointed with holy spirit
before they got baptized (Ac 10:44-48) showing that it is not baptism, but it is the heart condition that counts. Baptism is just a public display of that heart condition.
Even Paul said:
"For Christ sent me, not to baptize, but to declare the good news." (1Co 1:17)
Christ didn't even baptize anyone. (Jn 4:2)
