The New Jerusalem and Its Heavenly Doctrine
Emanuel Swedenborg
• Doctrinal Series •
BAPTISM
(pt. 5)
Baptism was instituted to be a sign that a man is of the church, and as a memorial that he is to be regenerated; for the washing of baptism is nothing else than spiritual washing, which is regeneration.
All regeneration is effected by the Lord, through the truths of faith, and a life according to them.
Baptism therefore testifies that the man is of the church, and that he can be regenerated: for in the church the Lord is acknowledged, who alone regenerates, and there also is the Word, which contains the truths of faith, by which regeneration is effected.
This the Lord teaches in John:
Except a man be begotten of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (3:5).
"Water" in the spiritual sense is the truth of faith from the Word; "the spirit" is a life according to that truth; and "to be begotten" is to be regenerated thereby.
Since everyone who is regenerated also undergoes temptations, which are spiritual combats against evils and falsities, therefore by the water of baptism these also are signified.
As baptism is for a sign and memorial of these things, therefore, man may be baptized as an infant, and if not then, he may be baptized as an adult.
(The New Jerusalem and Its Heavenly Doctrine 202-206)
