The principle of baptism is purification by repentance. John
admonished and exhorted the people, and caused them to repent; then he baptized
them. Therefore, it is apparent that this baptism is a symbol of repentance
from all sin: its meaning is expressed in these words: “O God! as my body has
become purified and cleansed from physical impurities, in the same way purify
and sanctify my spirit from the impurities of the world of nature, which are
not worthy of the Threshold of Thy Unity!” Repentance is the return from
disobedience to obedience. Man, after remoteness and deprivation from God,
repents and undergoes purification: and this is a symbol signifying “O God!
make my heart good and pure, freed and sanctified from all save Thy love.”
As Christ desired that this institution of John should be
used at that time by all, He Himself conformed to it in order to awaken the
people and to complete the law of the former religion. Although the ablution of
repentance was the institution of John, it was in reality formerly practiced in the religion of God.
Christ was not in need of baptism; but as at that time it
was an acceptable and praiseworthy action, and a sign of the glad tidings of
the Kingdom, therefore, He confirmed it. However, afterward He said the true
baptism is not with material water, but it must be with spirit and with water.
In this case water does not signify material water, for elsewhere it is
explicitly said baptism is with spirit and with fire, from which it is clear
that the reference is not to material fire and material water, for baptism with
fire is impossible. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
