The Process By Which Consciousness is Healed is Called Baptism
"Water ... represents material cleansing" (MBD/Water).
"When the baptizing power of the word [affirmations and denials] is poured on a center in consciousness, it dissolves all material thought, and through this cleansing, purifying process, the individual is prepared to see and to discern spiritually" (RW/Baptism).
"He [John the Baptist] signifies a high intellectual perception of Truth, but one not yet quickened of Spirit. John represents that attitude of mind in which we are zealous for the rule of Spirit. This attitude is not spiritual, but a perception of spiritual possibilities and an activity in making conditions in which Spirit may rule" (MBD/John).
"God's grace is free to all, but it can be consciously accepted only by those who have prepared to receive it by erasing errors in consciousness and building an inner ability to start fresh" (Winifred Wilkinson Hausmann Your God-Given Potential 196).
John the Baptist represents the illumined intellect within us, which realizes that if we are to begin living in the consciousness of grace, we must change our way of thinking. This is signified by John the Baptist who says, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord' " (John 1:23). "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2). Repentance is "a turning from a belief in sin and error to a belief in God and righteousness; a reversal of mind and heart in the direction of the All-Good" (RW/Repentance). This is done through affirmation and denial, which makes conditions in consciousness in which Spirit may rule. This activity prepares the way for the spiritual baptism of the Christ.
"I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Matt. 3:11)
