Baptism was instituted for a sign that a man is of the Church and for
a memorial that he is to be regenerated. For the washing of baptism is
no other than spiritual washing, which is regeneration. All
regeneration is effected by the Lord through truths of faith and a
life according to them. Baptism, therefore, testifies that a man is of
the Church and that he can be regenerated; for it is in the Church
that the Lord is acknowledged, Who regenerates man, and there the Word
is, where are truths of faith, by which is regeneration.
--_Heavenly Doctrine, nn._ 202, 203
The sign of the cross which a child receives on the forehead and
breast at baptism is a sign of inauguration into the acknowledgment
and worship of the Lord.
--_True Christian Religion, n._ 682