Heavenly Doctrine (Tafel) n. 209

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209. FROM THE HEAVENLY ARCANA.

Baptism signifies regeneration by the Lord through the truths of faith from the Word, nos. 4255, 5120, 9088, 10239, 10386-10388, 10392. Baptism is for a sign that a person is of the Church, in which the Lord is acknowledged from whom is regeneration, and in which there is the Word, from which are the truths of faith, through which regeneration is effected, nos. 10386-10388. Baptism imparts neither faith nor salvation, but testifies that both will be received by those who are regenerated, no. 10391. Washings in the Ancient Churches, and in the Israelitish Church, represented, and hence signified, purifications from evils and falsities, nos. 3147, 9088, 10237, 10239. The washings of garments signified the purification of the understanding from falsities, no. 5954. The washing of the feet signified the purification of the natural man, nos. 3147, 10241. An explanation of what is signified by the Lord's washing the disciples' feet, no. 10243. Waters signify the truths of faith, nos. 28, 2702, 3058, 5668, 8568, 10238. A fountain and a well of living waters signify the truths of faith from the Lord, consequently the Word, no. 3424. Bread and water signify all the goods of love and all the truths of faith, nos. 4976, 9323. Spirit signifies the life of truth, that is, the life of faith, nos. 5222, 9281, 9818. What is meant by spirit and flesh; spirit signifies life from the Lord, and flesh, life from man, no. 10283. Hence appears the signification of these words of the Lord: "Unless any one be born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God;" namely, that unless any one be regenerated through the truths of faith, and a life in accordance therewith, he cannot be saved, no. 10240. All regeneration is effected through the truths of faith, and a life in accordance therewith, nos. 1904, 2046, 9088, 9959, 10028. The complete washing which took place through immersion in the waters of Jordan signified regeneration, just like baptism, nos. 9088, 10239. What was signified by the waters of Jordan, and by Jordan itself, nos. 1585, 4255. The deluge and a flooding of waters signify temptations, nos. 660, 705, 739, 756, 790, 5725, 6853; the same is signified by baptism, nos. 5120, 10389. How baptism was represented from heaven, no. 2299.


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