True Christianity #687
687. Baptism as the process of being regenerated is represented by many things both in heaven and in the world.
In heaven, it is represented by the clothes of white and clothes of red just mentioned. It is also represented by the marriage between the church and the Lord; by the new heaven and the new earth; and by the New Jerusalem coming down, about which the One sitting on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new" (). It is represented by the river of living water coming forth from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22:1-2). It is also meant by the five prudent young women who had both lamps and oil and who walked into the wedding with the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-2, 10). The person who has been baptized, that is, regenerated, is meant by the "creatures" [to whom the gospel is to be preached] (Mark 16:15) and by the "creation" (Romans 8:19-21), and the "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15); "creature" comes from the verb "to be created," which means to be regenerated (see Revelation Unveiled 254).
[2] In the world, the process of being regenerated is represented by various things. For example, by the flowering of all things on earth in springtime and the ensuing stages of growth to the point of bearing fruit. Likewise, by the stages of development that every type of tree, bush, and flower goes through from the first to the last warm month.
The process of being regenerated is also represented by the development of fruits of all kinds from initial stem to ripe fruit. It is represented by the morning and evening rains and the falling dew that cause flowers to open, as they also close themselves to the darkness of night. It is represented by the fragrances of gardens and fields; and by the rainbow in the cloud (Genesis 9:14-17). It is also represented by the radiant colors of sunrise.
The process of being regenerated is also represented in a general way by the constant renewal of all things in the body by chyle and animal spirits and then blood. Blood is constantly being purified of worn-out elements and renewed and in a sense regenerated.
[3] If we look even to the lowliest creatures on earth, we see an image of the process of regeneration in the miraculous transformation of silkworms, and of many other grubs and caterpillars into nymphs and butterflies, and of other creatures that in time are embellished with wings.
To these we might add a lighter example: the desire of some songbirds to splash in the water in order to wash and cleanse themselves before returning to their singing.
In brief, the whole world on every level of existence is full of symbols and emblems of regeneration.
Mark 16
1
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2
Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
3
They were saying among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?"
4
for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.
5
Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed.
6
He said to them, "Don't be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen. He is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him!
7
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he said to you.'"
8
They went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid.
9
Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
10
She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11
When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved.
12
After these things he was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country.
13
They went away and told it to the rest. They didn't believe them, either.
14
Afterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn't believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15
He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
16
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.
17
These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages;
18
they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
19
So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
20
They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
