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:
Ver. 21. Baptism doth also now save] It is of permanent use, and effectual to seal up salvation whensoever a man believes and repents. Hence we are once baptized for all. See Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5. The pope's decree says, that confirmation is of more value than baptism, and gives the Holy Ghost more plentifully and effectually. How fitly might the gloss have set upon this decree Palea, or Hoc non credo, as they use to do, when anything in the decrees pleaseth them not!
Not the putting away] That none bear himself bold upon his Christendom. Unregenerate Israel is to God as Ethiopia, Amos 9:7. A man may go to hell with baptismal water on his face.
But the answer] επερωτημα, the stipulation, or confident interrogation, such as is that of the apostle, Romans 8:33,35, and of Jeremiah pleading with God, Jeremiah 12:1, and reasoning the case with him. David from his circumcision promised himself victory over that uncircumcised Philistine; so may we from our baptism, against all spiritual wickednesses; bring but this confident answer of a good conscience, and the devil will never be able to abide by it. Luther maketh mention of a certain holy virgin, who usually quenched the devil's fiery darts with the water of baptism. For whensoever he tempted her to evil, she confidently answered Christiana sum, I am a Christian, I have been baptized, and therein promised to renounce the devil and all his works. a For to that custom of asking the party to be baptized, and taking his answer (Credis? credo; abrenuncias? abrenuncio), the apostle seemeth here to allude; or, as others are of the opinion, to the manner of John's baptism, wherein people confessed (renounced) their sins, and asked him what they should do, Luke 3:10 .
a Intellexit hostis statim virtutem baptismi, &c., et fugit ab ea. Luther.