TCR 669, 676 - Introducing Baptism and Holy Supper

TCR 669

The two sacraments, Baptism and the Holy Supper,
are in the Christian Church
like two jewels in the scepter of a king;
and if their uses are not known,
they are only like two figures of ebony carved on a staff.
They may also be compared
to two rubies or garnets on the cloak of an emperor;
but if their uses are not known,
they are only like
two cornelians or crystals on any gown.
. . . These things cannot be dug up and brought to light
except by means of the spiritual sense,
which at this day has been disclosed for the New Church,
for the sake of its use in the worship of the Lord.

Those sacraments may also be compared to
a temple in duplicate,
one temple above the other,
in the lower of which is preached
the gospel of the Lord's new coming,
and also of regeneration
and consequent salvation by Him.
From this temple, circling upwards from the altar,
is an ascent to the upper temple,
where the Holy Supper is celebrated;
and thence is a passage into heaven,
where the worshipers are received by the Lord.
They may also be compared to a tabernacle,
in which, behind the entrance,
appears the table on which
the show-bread is placed in order;
where there is also the golden altar for incense,
and in the midst the candlestick with lighted lamps,
by which all these things come into view;
and finally,
for those who allow themselves to be enlightened,
the veil is opened to the Holy of Holies,
where, instead of the ark
in which the Decalogue had reposed,
the Word is placed over which
is the mercy-seat with the golden cherubim.
These things are representations
of those two sacraments with their uses.

TCR 676

With a person an external without an internal
is like a temple without worship,
a building that may be used by any one as a stable.
. . . For the external person is not the person,
but only the form of a person;
it is the internal, that which is wise from God,
which constitutes the person.
So it is with those who are circumcised
and with those who are baptized,
unless they circumcise or wash their heart.