"Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21).
Federal Visionists love this verse because Peter says, “baptism now saves you.” By wrenching such statements out of context, this brings them into union with Rome regarding baptismal regeneration.
The Reformed faith has always taught that we are saved by faith alone (sola fide). Baptism is no way saves us. Had Peter known how the Federal Visionists would pervert his statement, he surely would have phrased this differently.
If Peter really meant to say that baptism now saves us, what he meant was that Spirit baptism now saves. When an elect person is regenerated, he is also baptized in the Spirit. This kind of baptism saves us.
While this should be abundantly clear, it is best to far away from any language that sounds remotely Roman, such as "baptism now saves you." It is better to stick with the time-honored solas.
