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.”
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Some Answered Questions’)
