First Peter 3:21, Daniel 4:14[17], and the Ordo Salutis

First Peter 3:21 speaks of baptism as related to a “good conscience.” Key to a valid rendering of this genitive is a proper translation of ejperwvthma (epero¯te¯ma) which is also found in QDaniel 4:14 [17]. With this word understood to mean “verdict” in both QDaniel 4:14[17] and 1 Pet 3:21, the “good conscience” genitive will naturally be subjective rather than objective. These conclusions support the concept that baptism more properly belongs to the realm of justification rather than the realm of sanctification in the order of salvation.