us does St. Peter bring us into
the Scriptures, that we may study therein; and gives us an
illustration out of them, from the ark of Noah, and interprets this
same figure. For it is pleasant to have one bring forward
illustrations from such figures, as St. Paul also does when he is
speaking, Gal. iv., of the two sons of Abraham, and the two women;
and Christ, in John v., of the serpent which Moses had erected in the
wilderness. Such comparisons, when well drawn, are delightful;
wherefore St. Peter introduces this here, that we may be able to
comprehend faith under a pleasing image.

But he would also tell us, that as it happened when Noah was
preparing the ark, so it takes place now. As he took refuge in the
ark which swam upon the waters, so, it is to be observed, must you
also be saved in baptism. Just as that water swallowed up all that
was then living, of man and beast,--so baptism also swallows up all
that is of the flesh and corrupt nature, and makes spiritual men. But
we rest in the ark, which means the Lord Christ, or the christian
Church, or the Gospel that Christ preached, or the body of Christ, on
which we rest by faith, and are saved as Noah in the ark. You also
perceive how the image comprises in brief what belongs to faith and
to the cross, to life and death. Where there are only those that
follow Christ, there is surely a christian Church, where all that
springs from Adam, and whatever is evil, is removed.

V. 21. _The like figure whereunto, even baptism, doth now save us;
not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a
good conscience toward God._ But you are not kept and saved by merely
washing away the filth of the flesh, that the body be clean, as was
the practice of the Jews; such purification has no further value. But
the answer of a good conscience toward God,--that is, that you feel
your conscience to be rightfully at peace within you, that it stands
in harmony with God, and can say, "He has promised to me that which
He will fulfil, for He cannot lie." If you shall rely upon and cleave
to His word, then shall you be preserved. Faith, alone, is the band
whereby we shall be held; no outward work which you can do will
suffice.

_Through the resurrection of Christ Jesus._ This St. Peter adjoins,
in order to explain that faith which rests on the fact that Christ
died, descended to hell, and has risen again from the dead. Had He
continued subject to death, it would not have a