No, he is saying repenting is for the forgiveness of sin. Water baptism is symbolic of the Holy Spirit baptism which takes place after repenting. Dying with Jesus and being resurrected with Jesus. Going under the water symbolic of going into the grave, and coming up again symbolic of Jesus's resurrection. (see my example of how this passage is misunderstood above)
Where does the bible teach that baptism is symbolic ? That's like saying " actually taking communion is symbolic " when taking communion actually has a meaning why a Christian does it
1 Corinthians 11:23-30 KJV
[23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: [24] and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. [27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. [29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. [30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
If my argument is now " communion is just symbolic it doesn't have the significance it says it doesn't actually mean his when we do it " then I'm working against faith that's trying to teach my why I take of the bread and cup in his name remembering his sacrifice for my sins . Baptism is the same way to say " water baptism " really creates an argument that doesn't exist baptism has always Involved water . It did when Jesus was baptized and it was when they were getting baptized who believed in his name afterwards there's one baptism. It happens to involve water. There isn't " water baptism " and spiritual baptism " there's just baptism in Jesus name for remission of sins and
It's accomplished in water as designed by God for believers of this truth
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures
So
they can partake of it by faith
Romans 6:3-7, 10-11 KJV
[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: [6] knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. [7] For he that is dead is freed from sin.
[10] For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. [11] Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Baptism is as symbolic as everything The gospel teaches us to do and we'll explains the meaning . When obedience becomes symbolic faith can't work because faith is hearing what's being taught then believing it and acting upon that belief created not by us but by what's actually taught in scripture regarding a subject like baptism or communion or really any isolated subject . Baptism really isn't even a question because it's so thoroughly taught. It's the equivalent of circumcision in the ot based upon faith in Christ dying and being raised up again that's the only reason a person gets baptized because they believe Jesus died for thier sins was buried , and raised again
Colossians 2:10-13 KJV
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: [11] in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: [12] buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Jesus was baptized without sin for remission of our sins that's why we get baptized in his name who died from our sins , was buried and raised up again without sin. When the doctrine becomes symbolism nothing makes sense or has any faith in it
Galatians 3:27-29 KJV
[27] For
as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
If we accept the simplicity that everyone was baptized in Jesus name after he rose up then the doctrine makes sense and builds faith . Why did I get baptized in Jesus name who died for my sins ? Because I believe the gospel nothing else leads there but faith in hearing Jesus died for my sins and rose again for my justification . There's a reason they teach so clearly about baptism in the epistles it's not symbolism it's doctrine were meant to hear about and believe then act upon
But I suppose there are always other opinions and interpretations that baptism in " water " isn't the right baptism ......it's just thats what they all did before Jesus died and after he rose so I'd have to believe the bible doesn't get baptism and those who kept baptizing in water like Stephen and Peter didn't understand like people today who tell me water baptism is not baptism. It's really clear they baptized in water I don't think I'll ever come to a conclusion water isn't involved in baptism
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