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.