Baptism, both John's and that instituted by Jesus, symbolizes identification with Christ rather than actual purification from sin.
Baptism is often misunderstood as a means of purification; however, Scripture clearly indicates that this is not the case. John the Baptist's baptism called for repentance in preparation for the coming of Christ but did not inherently purify individuals. Similarly, Jesus's command in the Great Commission instructs that baptism follows belief, signifying identification with Him rather than providing cleansing from sin. The emphasis lies on faith; the one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the act of baptism itself does not confer purity or salvation. It is faith in Christ's redemptive work that ultimately purifies, not the act of being baptized.
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