While doing an inductive bible study on Matthew I came across a quote regarding baptism that truly touched my soul. I have been told throughout my life different analogies on baptism .
1. Baptism is an outward showing of an inward change
2. When we are baptized we go down into a watery grave to die from our sinful life and are reborn a new person in Christ.
While researching Matthew 3:1-17 I read on www.yashanet.com/study/matstudy/mat5c.htm "The root meaning of baptize is to immerse so that what is dipped takes on the qualities of what it has been dipped in."
After reading this I imagined myself as a brass ring that was dipped in gold. I have now taken on the characterics of gold. Outwardly to people looking at me I am gold. This is how I see water baptism that John the baptist did. John B. also spoke of One who will "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." After accepting and water baptism, through studying God's word and allowing Jesus to work on my heart my jesus will baptize my heart, soul and life with the Holy Spirit and fire to purify me and get rid of the brass so I will emerge pure gold. Through Christ I will come forth as pure gold not just an imitation.
