Series 1 - Lesson 4 - Annotation 14
What does water baptism symbolize?
14. Water baptism symbolizes the cleansing and purifying process that must take place in those who are living in error consciousness. Humanity as a whole, traveling the evolutionary path, has filled its consciousness with pure and impure elements. Each experience through which the human being passes becomes embodied in accordance with the way he reacts to it. The natural man is prone to cling to the memory of his adversities, and in so doing multiply and increase the imperfect and the untrue in his being. Since subconscious action builds the body in accordance with what is settled in it as a belief, the body becomes the great burden bearer. In consciousness there is no vacuum; therefore the old must be dissolved in order that the newer and better may replace it. Water baptism typifies the dissolving of error consciousness through a process of denial. Water baptism symbolizes man's willingness to cleanse his human consciousness in order to enter into the Christ consciousness.
________________________
Preceding Entry: Explain how baptism and the Lord's Supper are the means by which man becomes a conscious member of the "church of Christ."
Following Entry: Explain the symbols of the Lord's Supper.
