This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you-- not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,): Baptism was commanded in response to "what shall we do" (Acts 2:38); it secured the "remission of sins." Baptism, then, does not wash filth from the body. Neither is it a ceremonial cleansing of the physical body. Baptism is for the purpose of washing away sins--it cleanses the unclean soul (Acts 22:16).