To describe the complete cleansing that takes place when one is baptized, it is sometimes stated that one arises from the waters of baptism “as clean as a newborn baby.” And that is so true, not pertaining to an outward cleansing but to a soul cleansing. Consider how the Bible portrays this.
In baptism, a cleansing takes place. The love of Jesus for His church is beautifully portrayed in Ephesians 5, revealing to us that Jesus “gave Himself up for [His church], that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (5:26). The water of baptism is “washing water,” but it is not an outward cleansing for “the removal of the dirt from the flesh” (1 Pet. 3:21). When Ananias had the opportunity to tell Saul of Tarsus about the need and the blessing of baptism, he exclaimed, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). When the blood of Jesus cleanses from sin (Rev. 1:5), it will make you “whiter than snow” (cf. Psa. 51:7). That’s a powerful cleansing!
In baptism, a birthing takes place. In a physical birth, a living person comes forth and obtains new life. In a spiritual birth, the exact same process takes place. Jesus introduced this “new birth” in His conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus proclaimed, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus thought Jesus was speaking of a physical birth: “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus’ answer demonstrates that He was speaking of a spiritual birth and not a physical birth: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” “Born of water” is an expression that indicates one “comes out of, is raised out of” water, which is exactly what happens when someone is immersed (cf. Matt. 3:16; Acts 8:39). When a penitent believer is brought forth from the waters of baptism, he obtains “newness of life” (Rom. 6:4; cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). Peter described recent converts to Christ as “newborn babes” (1 Pet. 2:2). That’s a powerful birth!
In baptism, a perfecting takes place. A baby born into this world is perfect in the eyes of God—sinless, pure and holy (Matt. 18:3; 19:14; Luke 18:16-17). As the child matures and begins to make personal decisions (Jas. 1:14-15) to break God’s law (1 John 3:4), he becomes a sinner (Ezek. 18:20) and separates himself from the eyes of God (Hab. 1:13). When that same person turns back to his Father, puts his faith in Jesus, turns from his vile sin and is baptized, he is made perfect once again in the eyes of God—as clean as a newborn baby! That’s a powerful perfecting! Have you been baptized?