How does the water symbolize spiritual cleansing in the Bible?

In biblical theology, water is often used as a symbol for spiritual cleansing and regeneration. In Titus 3:5, Paul emphasizes that salvation involves 'the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.' This indicates that just as water cleanses physically, there is a spiritual cleansing that occurs through faith in Christ. The use of water in the baptismal rite symbolizes this cleansing, representing the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection. In Ephesians 5:26, the washing of water by the Word further highlights how the scriptures, through the work of the Spirit, bring about the sanctification of the church, making it holy and blameless before God.