Symbols of Baptism

I enjoyed learning more deeply about baptism this week, and especially some of the deeper symbolism that we can learn from baptism. The Bible Dictionary talks about how "baptism symbolizes death, burial and resurrection." The scriptures also compare our physical birth to baptism, which is our spiritual rebirth.

Moses 6:59 teaches that when we are born into this world there is water, blood and spirit present at the birth. When we are born again into the Kingdom of Heaven, water, blood and the Spirit are all present. We come forth out of the water after being fully immersed. We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ through His Atonement and we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost which allows us the privilege to have the Spirit of Jesus Christ with us as we live worthy of it.

There are other parallels we can draw between birth and baptism...(Follow Him Podcast)

• When we're born we become part of an earthly family: when we're baptized we are welcomed into God's family.
• When we're born we are given a name: when we are baptized we are asked to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ.
• When we're born, our earthly family makes a commitment to love and take care of us: God makes this same promise to us when we are baptized. 
• Children go and do the same things as their family: when we become part of God's family through baptism, we make a commitment to go and do the things God wants us to do.

Today during sacrament meeting I was introduced to another symbol relating to baptism by immersion. When we are baptized by immersion, our body has to be "all in" the water. This concept of being "all in" can also be symbolic of our commitment to be "all in" to living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Are we putting our best efforts into keeping our baptismal covenant to keep His commandments, always remember Him and to take His name upon us? If so, then we are continually immersing ourselves in His gospel.