Divine nearness is dependent upon attainment to the
knowledge of God, upon severance from all else save God. It is contingent upon
self-sacrifice and to be found only through forfeiting wealth and worldly
possessions. It is made possible through the baptism of water and fire revealed
in the Gospels. Water symbolizes the water of life, which is knowledge, and
fire is the fire of the love of God; therefore, man must be baptized with the
water of life, the Holy Spirit and the fire of the love of the Kingdom. Until
he attains these three degrees, nearness to God is not possible.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a talk, 26 May 1912, New York; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks
Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in
1912’)
