What Identifies A Christian As A Baptist?

[kyredneck]

Water baptism is the type and shadow of the spiritual baptism.

It's not what Peter, the apostle to the circumcision, had to say about it to his audience of Jewish Christians:

20 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:
21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, [even] baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; 1 Pet 3

For the Jews of 'that generation' water baptism was a profession of faith that 'saved' them from the 'wrath to come' upon 'that generation'.
There indeed was a 'saving' in water baptism.

 

[ChristB4Us]

You're the accuser. It is on you to prove what you said I stand for. But you can't do it. I dare you, I defy you to prove one single thing you accuse me of from what I wrote on this thread or anywhere else. You can't.

You are right and yet you are wrong.

You are right that I cannot quote you as saying only a legitimate Baptist church can give baptism by immersion but you are wrong because you laid the groundwork for it and then you had applied it to me afterwards.

From my Post #45 of your quote; "As a former church planting missionary (Japan), I know exactly what Paul was doing when he decided not to baptize many in Corinth. In fact, the context tells us. He was doing his best to avoid the factionalism of Paul-followers versus supposed Christ-followers versus Apollos-followers."

Then I posted "So how do you avoid factionalism in the Baptist churches when some insist water baptism has to be done by immersion only and that only an authorized Baptist church can give it? Doesn't that smack something the RCC has done to Catholics?"

That above is where you were right that you did not post that exactly, but then later on....in YOUR REPLY in post #49

You posted "I don't "seem to" define baptism as meaning only immersion. You are not paying attention to what I am saying. Every single Greek-English lexicon or dictionary I have (and I have a dozen or more since I teach Greek and am a translator) defines the Greek baptizo, from which we get the English word "baptize," as "immerse." There is no other legitimate meaning for the word. Translators transliterate it as "baptize" so they can avoid offending denominations that sprinkle or pour."

Here you are seemingly taking the middle ground but then you posted after that in that same post #49...

"At this point we can safely say that you are not a Baptist, since you insist on other meanings and modes than immersion for baptism. I trust you'll be honest now and not post in the Baptist forums."

Which convinced me of this being your stance that only a legitimate Baptist church can give water baptism by immersion for how you judged and condemned me as not a Baptist.

So yeah.... you were right that you did not say that exactly, but you did lay the groundwork for that and you judged me like that afterwards.

@Martin Marprelate I had posted to you in post #61 this comment

"Not sure how you can defend John of Japan's stance that only legitimate Baptist church can give water baptism by immersion as that is an unbiblical teaching arguing from the silence of the scriptures and yet doing it in such a way that the RCC & the devil could cry for mimicking their enslaving methodology to a system of works that denies Him."

So in one way I have to apologize for not explaining how John of Japan led me to believe that was his stance as "if" directly quoting him as saying that but he did lay the groundwork for it and he did judged me by it as you did with the "authority" as if representing the legitimate Baptist church by asking me to cease posting as a Baptist.

But I will not apologize for misrepresenting his stance nor yours. You both claim being legitimate Baptists and because I am not convinced that water baptism, if done at all, has to be done by immersion, that I should not be considering myself as a Baptist nor posting as a Baptist.

So how can you both escape the judgment as if you are not saying only a legitimate Baptist church can give water baptism by immersion by how you "factionalized" me as not a Baptist?

Maybe you guys did not mean that, but you are actually teaching it and judging others & me by it as not a Baptist as if you have the authority to represent all things Baptist.

 

[John of Japan]

You are right and yet you are wrong.

You are right that I cannot quote you as saying only a legitimate Baptist church can give baptism by immersion but you are wrong because you laid the groundwork for it and then you had applied it to me afterwards.

You're twisting my words. I believe that there are many churches that immerse without being Baptist. If I were currently pastoring a church, I would accept immersion from non-Baptist churches.

From my Post #45 of your quote; "As a former church planting missionary (Japan), I know exactly what Paul was doing when he decided not to baptize many in Corinth. In fact, the context tells us. He was doing his best to avoid the factionalism of Paul-followers versus supposed Christ-followers versus Apollos-followers."

Then I posted "So how do you avoid factionalism in the Baptist churches when some insist water baptism has to be done by immersion only and that only an authorized Baptist church can give it? Doesn't that smack something the RCC has done to Catholics?"

Baptists always, always insist that baptism must be done by immersion. That is simply a doctrinal and historical fact. (And there is no such thing as an "authorized Baptist church," since one of the distinctives is the autonomy of the local church.)

Having said that, I never, ever said that only a Baptist church can baptize by immersion. That is out of your fevered imagination.

That above is where you were right that you did not post that exactly, but then later on....in YOUR REPLY in post #49

You posted "I don't "seem to" define baptism as meaning only immersion. You are not paying attention to what I am saying. Every single Greek-English lexicon or dictionary I have (and I have a dozen or more since I teach Greek and am a translator) defines the Greek baptizo, from which we get the English word "baptize," as "immerse." There is no other legitimate meaning for the word. Translators transliterate it as "baptize" so they can avoid offending denominations that sprinkle or pour."

This is totally true, and it is not what you claimed I believe. It is linguistically and factually accurate, but it is not what you said I believe.

So in one way I have to apologize for not explaining how John of Japan led me to believe that was his stance as "if" directly quoting him as saying that but he did lay the groundwork for it and he did judged me by it as you did with the "authority" as if representing the legitimate Baptist church by asking me to cease posting as a Baptist.

Again, all Baptists baptize by immersion. That is simply fact. With that, I laid no groundwork whatsoever for saying that only Baptist churches can immerse. I don't believe that.

But I will not apologize for misrepresenting his stance nor yours. You both claim being legitimate Baptists and because I am not convinced that water baptism, if done at all, has to be done by immersion, that I should not be considering myself as a Baptist nor posting as a Baptist.

Whatever.

So how can you both escape the judgment as if you are not saying only a legitimate Baptist church can give water baptism by immersion by how you "factionalized" me as not a Baptist?

Again, stop misrepresenting me. I never said and do not believe that only a Baptist church can immerse. That is prevaricating.

Maybe you guys did not mean that, but you are actually teaching it and judging others & me by it as not a Baptist as if you have the authority to represent all things Baptist.

Stop misrepresenting me. And for crying out loud, learn what a Baptist actually is, because you show no knowledge of that. For starters, go back to page 1 of this thread where I wrote what the Baptist distinctives are. These are widely recognized by Baptist pastors, members, theologians, and Baptist historians (of which I am one). These are not rules for Baptists, but simply describe what the basic beliefs of Baptists are.

 

[Charlie24]

The [New Testament] doctrine of baptisms. Hebrews 6:2a.

Luke 3:16-17, John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

One basic hermeneutic.for baptism. The bare term baptism generally refers to water.

The "doctrines of baptisms" Paul is speaking of in Heb. 6:2 is the Old Testament "Doctrines of Washing."

It's not what Peter, the apostle to the circumcision, had to say about it to his audience of Jewish Christians:

20 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:
21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, [even] baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; 1 Pet 3

For the Jews of 'that generation' water baptism was a profession of faith that 'saved' them from the 'wrath to come' upon 'that generation'.
There indeed was a 'saving' in water baptism.

It's worse for you than I thought my friend.

Water baptism can be what it is, symbol of your spiritual baptism into Christ.

Or it can be an addition to faith made into works that God will most certainly reject.

If water baptism saves, then the person who baptized you had a part in making your salvation possible.

Salvation is by faith alone my friend, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!

 

[37818]

As I have explained, Baptist between Baptist do disagree on the meaning of passages on baptism.
They disagree on the day Jesus gave the Comforter. On the day of resurrection, John 20:22 or Pentecost Acts of the Apostles 2.

Personally I am persuaded it to be on Pentecost.

Now Pastor Mike Allison strongly affirms it was on the day of Jesus' resurrection.

The hour video, Baptist & Alien Baptism:

 

[37818]

The "doctrines of baptisms" Paul is speaking of in Heb. 6:2 is the Old Testament "Doctrines of Washing."

Yes. Christians disagree on.this too.

New Testament or Old Testament being meant.

 

[Charlie24]

As I have explained, Baptist between Baptist do disagree on the meaning of passages on baptism.
They disagree on the day Jesus gave the Comforter. On the day of resurrection, John 20:22 or Pentecost Acts of the Apostles 2.

Personally I am persuaded it to be on Pentecost.

Now Pastor Mike Allison strongly affirms it was on the day of Jesus' resurrection.

The hour video, Baptist & Alien Baptism:

Follow your heart with the baptisms, Brother!

Remembering that the great apostle clearly has shown us the meaning of the New Covenant in Christ.

That we are justified by faith alone in Christ, and the only way we will enter into the Kingdom of God.

 

[kyredneck]

Water baptism can be what it is, symbol of your spiritual baptism into Christ.

1 For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

"II. BAPTIZED UNTO MOSES (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)
This bit of history of the Hebrews and of the Exodus gives us a clue as to the meaning of what it means to be baptized "unto" someone or some thing. The Hebrews had been living and working "unto" their Egyptian taskmasters. They labored at making bricks with a view to pleasing these masters and thus doing the bidding of Pharaoh. The Red Sea put a difference in their view of the One to be heeded. It had separated, or marked the death of, themselves to Egypt, and the Egyptians to them. Now they had a new leader, Moses. Their being baptized "unto Moses," then meant that no longer were they to heed the voices of the masters in Egypt, but the voice of a new Master (God) whose spokesman was Moses."

3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

"III. BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST (Romans 6:3)
We are taught that we are baptized into (same word: "unto") Jesus Christ. It is not a matter of location or place, so that baptism puts us literally into Christ. This is no more true than that "baptized unto Moses" put the Hebrews into Moses. It means that baptism (like the Red Sea crossing) drew a line between former masters and the the present leader or master. Baptism declares that we have died to the world. Being dead to it we cannot heed the voice of its god (Satan) or its leaders (taskmasters). We have a new Master (Christ), and are baptized "unto" Him. With a view to heeding Him and no other, we declare (show) our death to the world and our resurrection (new life) unto God. He is our new Master, and we heed the voice of Him Who is our Head, Christ."
Why did Jesus and His disciples baptize?

 

[kyredneck]

It's worse for you than I thought my friend.

Don't worry about me Charlie, I don't live under the constant threat of hellfire damnation as you seem to. Perhaps some day your faith will be strong.

 

[ChristB4Us]

You're twisting my words. I believe that there are many churches that immerse without being Baptist. If I were currently pastoring a church, I would accept immersion from non-Baptist churches.

The spirit behind your words is there.

Baptists always, always insist that baptism must be done by immersion. That is simply a doctrinal and historical fact.

You said that above then you said this below as opposing what you had said above

(And there is no such thing as an "authorized Baptist church," since one of the distinctives is the autonomy of the local church.)

Having said that, I never, ever said that only a Baptist church can baptize by immersion. That is out of your fevered imagination.

And I clarified that as this was your stance and not a direct quote.

This is totally true, and it is not what you claimed I believe. It is linguistically and factually accurate, but it is not what you said I believe.

Your claim that to what all Baptist churches believes,

Again, all Baptists baptize by immersion. That is simply fact. With that, I laid no groundwork whatsoever for saying that only Baptist churches can immerse. I don't believe that.

More like inferring only a legitimate Baptist church can do baptism by immersion and that they & you do not recognize any Baptist Church that does sprinkling or pouring for water baptism, you did lay the groundwork for that stance as judging those "Baptist" as not a legitimate Baptist church and why you are judging me as not a Baptist. ( Even though I have been water baptized by immersion in a Baptist church but I did it for a different reason hoping maybe this will give me the edge to overcome a habitual sin from ever coming back, but nope. I have to trust Jesus Christ every day to help me resists sin in thought, word, and deed, and so I cannot look to some quick remedy or wonder if I am missing something when this is all about suffering with Christ by ceasing from sin.

1 Peter 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Whatever.

Again, stop misrepresenting me. I never said and do not believe that only a Baptist church can immerse. That is prevaricating.

Then by what authority do you judged me as not a Baptist? Actions speaks louder than words.

Stop misrepresenting me. And for crying out loud, learn what a Baptist actually is, because you show no knowledge of that. For starters, go back to page 1 of this thread where I wrote what the Baptist distinctives are. These are widely recognized by Baptist pastors, members, theologians, and Baptist historians (of which I am one). These are not rules for Baptists, but simply describe what the basic beliefs of Baptists are.

So you say, but the more you argue, the more you seem to not see you opposing yourself.

And that is not our only disagreement as I had described an apostasy for which you identified yourself with by accusing me of calling you an apostate, but if the shoe fits, you put that on yourself, not me. My concern for you in your relationship with the Lord is just as the consequence for being involved in that apostasy is to be left behind at the pre great tribulation rapture event.

Course, the other one of our disagreements is that you believe that those that fell away were never believers or never saved and you are wrong about that too. They are still saved for why we are to call them to go to Jesus Christ for help to see the lies that turned them away from him so they can lean on Him to repent to be ready for the Bridegroom for when he comes.

 

[ChristB4Us]

1 For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

"II. BAPTIZED UNTO MOSES (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)
This bit of history of the Hebrews and of the Exodus gives us a clue as to the meaning of what it means to be baptized "unto" someone or some thing. The Hebrews had been living and working "unto" their Egyptian taskmasters. They labored at making bricks with a view to pleasing these masters and thus doing the bidding of Pharaoh. The Red Sea put a difference in their view of the One to be heeded. It had separated, or marked the death of, themselves to Egypt, and the Egyptians to them. Now they had a new leader, Moses. Their being baptized "unto Moses," then meant that no longer were they to heed the voices of the masters in Egypt, but the voice of a new Master (God) whose spokesman was Moses."

3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

"III. BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST (Romans 6:3)
We are taught that we are baptized into (same word: "unto") Jesus Christ. It is not a matter of location or place, so that baptism puts us literally into Christ. This is no more true than that "baptized unto Moses" put the Hebrews into Moses. It means that baptism (like the Red Sea crossing) drew a line between former masters and the the present leader or master. Baptism declares that we have died to the world. Being dead to it we cannot heed the voice of its god (Satan) or its leaders (taskmasters). We have a new Master (Christ), and are baptized "unto" Him. With a view to heeding Him and no other, we declare (show) our death to the world and our resurrection (new life) unto God. He is our new Master, and we heed the voice of Him Who is our Head, Christ."
Why did Jesus and His disciples baptize?

How do you apply 1 Peter 3:21 below?

1 Peter 3:21 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:

The "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh" which is what water does, hence deferring from water baptism, to the answer of a good conscience toward God which is by faith in Jesus Christ.

So that baptism in 1 Peter 3:21 is about the baptism with the Holy Ghost that the Father & Jesus Christ gives us at our salvation for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ & that God has raised Him from the dead.

 

[Charlie24]

1 For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

"II. BAPTIZED UNTO MOSES (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)
This bit of history of the Hebrews and of the Exodus gives us a clue as to the meaning of what it means to be baptized "unto" someone or some thing. The Hebrews had been living and working "unto" their Egyptian taskmasters. They labored at making bricks with a view to pleasing these masters and thus doing the bidding of Pharaoh. The Red Sea put a difference in their view of the One to be heeded. It had separated, or marked the death of, themselves to Egypt, and the Egyptians to them. Now they had a new leader, Moses. Their being baptized "unto Moses," then meant that no longer were they to heed the voices of the masters in Egypt, but the voice of a new Master (God) whose spokesman was Moses."

3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

"III. BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST (Romans 6:3)
We are taught that we are baptized into (same word: "unto") Jesus Christ. It is not a matter of location or place, so that baptism puts us literally into Christ. This is no more true than that "baptized unto Moses" put the Hebrews into Moses. It means that baptism (like the Red Sea crossing) drew a line between former masters and the the present leader or master. Baptism declares that we have died to the world. Being dead to it we cannot heed the voice of its god (Satan) or its leaders (taskmasters). We have a new Master (Christ), and are baptized "unto" Him. With a view to heeding Him and no other, we declare (show) our death to the world and our resurrection (new life) unto God. He is our new Master, and we heed the voice of Him Who is our Head, Christ."
Why did Jesus and His disciples baptize?

Ky, have ever met someone online and just couldn't help but take a liking to them?

I feel that we are two chunks off the same block, it just feels that way to me.

I totally agree with what you've said here. But there's a missing element that needs to be found and applied for a deeper understanding of the truth.

Everything you have said here is true on baptism, but let's take it to the next level, let's find the true and "only baptism" that the great apostle spoke of.

As @37818 has pointed to, the Church is confused with the many baptisms portrayed in Scripture, but Paul said there is only one. We all know where that Scripture is found. Let's take a look at that "one baptism" explained by the great apostle.

Colossians 2:10-13
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"

This is the "one and only baptism." My question to you is this, is it water baptism, or is it something altogether different that has nothing to do with water?

Notice that Paul says this is " the circumcision made without hands" whatever this is, it's not done in the realm of humanity. Paul says it's the "circumcision of Christ."

"We are buried with Him in baptism" But this is a baptism performed by Christ without hands, and Paul hasn't said a word of water being involved.

Paul said this baptism is "through faith" and the "operation of God." Again, outside the realm of humanity.

This baptism is the spiritual "baptism into Christ" Rom. 6:3-4, that takes place the very instant one believes in Christ, and is the regeneration of washing away sins.

Water baptism is the symbol of this spiritual baptism that takes place in the spiritual realm.

Peter as much as tells us water baptism is the symbol, in fact, he actually uses the English translated word for symbol in 1 Peter 3:21.

"The like figure (symbol) 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:"

Peter is saying here that the 8 souls saved by water (vs20) in the flood, was a "symbol" of baptism saving us. Not the water baptism, but the spiritual baptism that water baptism symbolizes.

The water is the symbol of the spiritual baptism that actually now saves us.

 

[Charlie24]

Don't worry about me Charlie, I don't live under the constant threat of hellfire damnation as you seem to. Perhaps some day your faith will be strong.

Though I'm not an advocate of osas I have eternal security! As sure as the sun rose over this earth this morning.

I have responsibility, there is a condition that ensures my responsibility. I must hold to my faith in Christ to the end! God doesn't require much of us, but He does demand faith to the end!

God bless you, Brother! I'm praying for you.

 

[kyredneck]

So that baptism in 1 Peter 3:21 is about the baptism with the Holy Ghost

Not.

20 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:
21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, [even] baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; 1 Pet 3

 

[Charlie24]

Not.

20 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:
21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, [even] baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; 1 Pet 3

The KJV says "by water."

The idea is that the 8 in the ark were saved "by water" in that the water lifted the ark they were in, while drowning everyone else. The 8 were saved from drowning, this is not salvation of the soul, it is the symbol of salvation of the soul.

This is the symbol of the baptism that saves us. The spiritual baptism of Col. 2.

 

[37818]

.

. . . saved "by water" . . .

2 Peter 2:5, And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

 

[Charlie24]

.

2 Peter 2:5, And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

You must bear in mind something that I covered a few days ago.

Those before the Law such as Noah, their sins were not imputed to them.

"Before the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed where there is no Law."

Noah had no sin imputed to wash away as we have now, he was not born-again as we see it now.

Although he was justified by faith and saved.

In 2 Peter 2:5, as you posted, Peter is referring to salvation then in Noah's day.

In 1 Peter 3:21 Peter is referring to salvation in his and our day.

The difference is the washing away of sin in our case, and no sin to wash away in Noah's day.

 

[Charlie24]

You must bear in mind something that I covered a few days ago.

Those before the Law such as Noah, their sins were not imputed to them.

"Before the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed where there is no Law."

Noah had no sin imputed to wash away as we have now, he was not born-again as we see it now.

Although he was justified by faith and saved.

In 2 Peter 2:5, as you posted, Peter is referring to salvation then in Noah's day.

In 1 Peter 3:21 Peter is referring to salvation in his and our day.

The difference is the washing away of sin in our case, and no sin to wash away in Noah's day.

In other words, If I'm reading your post correctly, the water and water baptism had absolutely nothing to do with Noah's salvation. He had no sins imputed to wash away.

Peter is only using the water of the flood as an example to compare the baptism of salvation which we now have, but not Noah. The purpose is to show us "the symbol" of water baptism to our true spiritual salvation.

 

[37818]

You must bear in mind something that I covered a few days ago.

Those before the Law such as Noah, their sins were not imputed to them.

"Before the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed where there is no Law."

Noah had no sin imputed to wash away as we have now, he was not born-again as we see it now.

Although he was justified by faith and saved.

In 2 Peter 2:5, as you posted, Peter is referring to salvation then in Noah's day.

In 1 Peter 3:21 Peter is referring to salvation in his and our day.

The difference is the washing away of sin in our case, and no sin to wash away in Noah's day.

The issue is how Noah and his family was saved by means of water. What did the water do? It destroyed the world that was.

 

[Charlie24]

The issue is how Noah and his family was saved by means of water. What did the water do? It destroyed the world that was.

Ok, let's break it down.

"2 Peter 2:5, And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;"

God didn't spare the world in unbelief, but He saved Noah.

Noah was a believer, a preacher of righteousness that they mocked and would not heed to his preaching.

So God saved Noah but the world of unbelievers were taken away with the flood.

What did the water do to save Noah? Absolutely nothing as far as the saving of the soul, Noah was justified by faith, it was a physical saving from drowning. And there is the symbol, "in the example/symbol of the water saving Noah from the flood physically, Peter is showing us how water baptism is the symbol of our true spiritual baptism saving us in the Spiritual realm.

Remember, Peter is using all of this as an example of baptism in his day and ours.