Mark 1:4

4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

It is NOT, however, the ritual that saves a person. When a priest (or John the Baptist) would tell someone one that their sins were forgiven, it was not ultimately because of the ritual. No amount of sacrifice or ritual bathing is able to “save” someone without having a humble attitude.

Hosea 6:6

6 I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, and knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Psalm 34:18

18 The LORD is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as to be of a contrite spirit.

The main point to realize is that there is nothing magic about ritual baths or animal sacrifices.  Although they may be part of a system or process, it is our heart and soul (our attitude) that makes the difference.

Likewise "being saved" is not based solely on our experiences, feelings, or our acceptance of intellectual concepts.

Ultimately it is totally in God's hands.  He may choose to save us in any fashion that He wishes, although the process is usually not without a certain amount work and effort required.

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