According to 1 Peter 3:21, baptism is the answer of a good ________ toward God.

In 1 Peter 3:21, the phrase "the answer of a good conscience toward God" emphasizes the significance of baptism as an outward expression of an inward reality. The context of this scripture highlights that baptism is not merely a ritual or a tradition, but it represents a believer’s commitment to following Christ with a clear and sincere conscience. This suggests that a person undergoing baptism has made a conscious decision to align their life with God’s will and to live in obedience to His teachings.

The concept of a "good conscience" is rooted in the idea of being free from guilt and living in accordance with one’s moral and ethical beliefs as established by faith in Jesus Christ. It underscores the transformative power of faith, leading to a new way of life that reflects righteousness and holiness before God.

While terms like "heart," "faith," and "spirit" are all important concepts within the Christian tradition, they do not capture the specific meaning that "conscience" conveys in this passage. The emphasis on conscience connects directly to how one relates to God and the sincerity of one's actions and intentions, particularly regarding the sacrament of baptism. Therefore, recognizing baptism as the answer of a good conscience provides a deeper understanding of its significance within the context of faith