⁹ This is an illustration^(A) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered^(B) were not able to clear the conscience^(C) of the worshiper.

²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(A) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(B) toward God.^[a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^(C)

5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God,^(A) to offer gifts and sacrifices^(B) for sins.^(C)

¹⁴ Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam,^(A) who is a pattern of the one to come.^(B)

¹¹ trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ^(A) in them was pointing when he predicted^(B) the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you,^(C) when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you^(D) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.^(E) Even angels long to look into these things.