Email to Ray;
http://www.forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3292.0.htmlDear Steve:
And am painfully aware of anxiety disorders and bipolarism in some that are very close to me.
Yes, baptism is a symbol. How in the world could being immersed into water be anything but a symbol OF SOMETHING ELSE. People are immersed in water every time they go swimming. What does THAT accomplish in their spiritual life? Immersion in water SYMBOLIZED a persons desire to bury his old self and be washed clean of sin. Just performing the ritual of being baptized in water will not, however, accomplish this. Only if you are baptized IN HEART AND SPIRIT is it of any value. All the males of Israel were circumcised the 8th day for centuries. Did that ritual convert a single Jew? No, of course not. It SYMBOLIZED something that can only be accomplished in one's heart and mind and spirit.
Baptism pictures something: "Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism INTO DEATH: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, EVEN SO we also should walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE" (Rom. 6:1-4).
Baptism is OF THE HEART AND SPIRIT, or it is worthless and is no baptism at all. Hope this helps your understanding.
God be with you,
Ray
Peace...Mark