Does Water Baptism Save?

... Certain theological traditions misinterpret Peter's statement baptism now saves you to refer to spiritual salvation by water baptism (i.e., baptismal regeneration). But baptism (from baptizo) simply means “to immerse,” and not just in water. Peter here uses baptism to refer to a figurative immersion into Christ as the ark of safety that will sail over the holocaust of judgment on the wicked. Noah and his family were immersed not just in water, but in the world under divine judgment. All the while they were protected by being in the ark. God preserved Noah and his family in the midst of His judgment, which is what He also does for all those who trust in Christ. God's final judgment will bring fire and fury on the world, destroying the entire universe (?cf.? 2 Peter 3:10–12); but the people of God will be protected and taken into the eternal new heavens and new earth (v. 13)...