The concept of the Firmament, or a boundary of water, between this physical world and the spiritual world is new to most of us. The Firmament was created on the second day, and the idea of a boundary helps explain why the second day of Creation is the only day that is not described as “good” or “very good.” The Lord commanded it to be done, “and it was so.” (Genesis 1:7) As stated in the last lesson, “rather than good, the Firmament was perhaps necessary as a boundary between the physical and the spiritual worlds.”

The Word of God is filled with pictures, types and foreshadows. The idea of a water boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds, between us and the Lord, is yet another picture.

Perhaps the earliest foreshadow is the Children of Israel, leaving Egypt, which is a type or picture of the world. In order to go to the Promised Land, they had to “pass through the sea.” In this case, it was the Red Sea, which was supernaturally parted for them. The waters were a like a wall on their right hand and on their left hand. (Exodus 14:22)

Later, the Children of Israel passed through the waters of the Jordan River, which was at flood stage, to cross over into the Promised Land. (Joshua 3:15) While they crossed the Red Sea after camping in three places (three days?) (Numbers 33:5-8), the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River after camping there for three days. (Joshua 3:2) This could be a foreshadow of Believers leaving this world and crossing into our Promised Land on the third (millennial) day. “. . . a thousand years (are) as one day.” (Second Peter 3:8) We are at, or in, the third millennial day from the time of Jesus.

In the Tabernacle service, before a priest could enter the Holy Place, he was required to bathe himself in the laver of water. (Exodus 30:18, 40:30) Later in the Temple, the laver was replaced with the bronze sea, which held thousands of gallons of water. In both cases, the priest had to bathe or immerse himself in water before approaching the Holy Place.

This is such a clear picture of baptism. As most Christians are aware, the Greek word baptizo means “to immerse.” (Strong’s G907)

While immersion in water is considered a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, in my opinion passing through the waters of baptism is passing through the boundary between us and the Lord in Heaven. When we pass through the waters of baptism, we are a new creature. (Second Corinthians 5:17) We no longer belong to this physical world, but belong to the spiritual world. We have passed the boundary.

Some day, perhaps soon, we will leave this world, either by death or “rapture,” and will join the Lord in the spiritual realm. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)