(kriss;26881)
Water in baptism is symbolic only its symbolic of washing away sin and coming into the living water of Jesus Christ and if you give me time to find this It is written in the early writting of the Catholic church that water does not wash away sins.
Nowhere do we read that the Early Christians viewed baptism as "symbolic" - to the contrary: Hermas"‘I have heard, sir,’ said I [to the Shepherd], ‘from some teacher, that there is no other repentance except that which took place when we went down into the water and obtained the remission of our former sins.’ He said to me, ‘You have heard rightly, for so it is’" (The Shepherd 4:3:1–2 [A.D. 80]). Justin Martyr"As many as are persuaded and believe that what we [Christians] teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly . . . are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water. For Christ also said, ‘Except you be born again, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven’ [John 3:3]" (First Apology 61 [A.D. 151]). Origen"It is not possible to receive forgiveness of sins without baptism" (Exhortation to the Martyrs 30 [A.D. 235]). The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. We are commanded to be baptized. Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (notice 1st baptized - then rec'd the Holy Spirit) Also, this sure doesn't sound like a suggestion or a symbolically good idea - it sounds like a command from God. The thief on the cross had what's known as a baptism of desire. It was obviously impossible for him to get down from that cross and get baptized - God is merciful above all and would obviously not hold that against Him.Most of us are not in a position where we cannot be baptized. So we should, for the forgiveness of our sins & to receive the Holy Spirit.