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,
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put of Christ" (Galatians 3:26-27). It is evident that baptism is the way to get into Christ. It is not just a good way or the best way, it is the only way the Holy Spirit reveals. The Bible never says that we believe or repent into Christ. Faith plus baptism equals being in Christ. For whom or how many? "As many of you as have been baptized into Christ." We must get into the spiritual body of Christ.