The essence of baptism is purification by repentance. John
admonished and exhorted the people, caused them to repent, and then baptized
them. It is evident then that this purification is a symbol of repentance from
all sin, as though one were saying: “O God! Just as my body has been cleansed
and purified from material defilements, so cleanse and purify my spirit from
the defilements of the world of nature, which are unworthy of Thy divine
threshold.” Repentance is the return from rebelliousness to obedience. It is
after experiencing remoteness and deprivation from God that man repents and
purifies himself. Thus, this purification is a symbol saying: “O God! Render my
heart goodly and pure, and cleanse and sanctify it from all save Thy love.”
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some
Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)
