This verse has most likely never been the text of a sermon; nor should it be. We have here an example of misapplying Scripture. Many Protestant and Catholic theologians argue that salvation is a personal matter and cannot be conferred by the faith or actions of another living person. The practice is, therefore, largely unique to the Latter-day Saint tradition today.
Paul argued in this chapter 15 the importance of baptism. This was an unusual example of a practice conducted by the Corinthian church. He turned this ritual into proof for the necessity of water baptism. In essence, he asked why they were doing this if Jesus had not risen from the dead. Not only is this unscriptural today, it would be nonsensical to the Corinthians if they did not believe in the necessity of water baptism after salvation. Nowhere else in the Bible is this mentioned. For those who do practice this, it is a prime example of building a doctrine on only one verse. In reference to the teachings of the church, doctrines are repeatedly taught from multiple versus for believers.
The emphasis of biblical teaching is that baptism is the answer of a clear conscience to God. (1 Peter 3:21) The logic embedded in the Scripture is it is only those people who have the ability to differentiate between good and evil who are eligible for baptism. Some faith groups call the practice of infant baptism as a sacrament so they can be counted in the membership of the church. The baby cannot have the answer of a clear conscience toward God. However, the parents can dedicate the young child and themselves for the service of the Lord in such a manner.
In 1 Peter 3: 20, 21 an example of Noah and the ark is used as a comparison to baptism. It was a certainty of faith to enter the ark that actually saved them. It was a physical experience to enter the ark, but it was first a spiritual experience that caused them to believe they would be saved.
Christian Writer 