“That aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water" (1 Peter 3:20). Having affirmed that salvation in the days of Noah was through the water of the flood, Peter now draws a comparison with the water of baptism: "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" (1 Peter 3:21). Salvation offered through water in the days of Noah is exactly parallel to salvation offered through water baptism. Baptism is the antitype of the waters of the great flood.
The water itself had no saving power in the flood, nor does it have any saving power today. The saving power for Noah was his obedience to God's Word. Today people obey the Gospel plan of salvation culminating in water baptism, and God likewise saves them through water.
Baptism is between the sinner and salvation! God has placed baptism squarely between the sinner and every spiritual blessing. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). The word "all" means "of every kind." Not one spiritual blessing is to be had outside of Christ. Salvation is "in Christ" (2 Timothy 2:10); grace is "in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1); if one is in Christ, "he is a new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17); and this "newness of life" follows baptism (Romans 6:4). Baptism into Christ saves us (1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16). Baptism into Christ washes away one's sins (Acts 22:16). Baptism into Christ is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Baptism into Christ makes it possible for one to go to heaven (John 3:3-5).
Since ALL spiritual blessings are IN Christ, it is evident that we do not have access to them while OUT of Christ! The only way to get into Christ is to be baptized into Him (Galatians 3:27)! If one has not been Scripturally baptized, then he is not in Christ, and he cannot receive even one spiritual blessing.
Man did not place baptism between the sinner and salvation; this is the work of God! Man cannot change it!