[go: up one dir, main page]
Scribd
Upload
70 views2 pages

Baptism: Religion, 2015

Baptism was instituted by Jesus Christ as a sacrament that is necessary for salvation. It erases all sin, including original sin, and admits one as a member of the Church. Baptism requires water, the Trinitarian formula, and a minister. It should be received as early as possible to avoid the burden of original sin and to become a full member of the Church in order to attain salvation and receive other sacraments. While it is preferable to receive baptism through the traditional ceremony, it can also be received through martyrdom or confession in cases of necessity.

Uploaded by

Evan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
70 views2 pages

Baptism: Religion, 2015

Baptism was instituted by Jesus Christ as a sacrament that is necessary for salvation. It erases all sin, including original sin, and admits one as a member of the Church. Baptism requires water, the Trinitarian formula, and a minister. It should be received as early as possible to avoid the burden of original sin and to become a full member of the Church in order to attain salvation and receive other sacraments. While it is preferable to receive baptism through the traditional ceremony, it can also be received through martyrdom or confession in cases of necessity.

Uploaded by

Evan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Baptism

Religion, 2015
By Evan Acosta

As Christians, we hear the word, Baptism, a lot. The


word Baptism is Greek, and means, dipping in. In the Old
Testament, Baptism had different meaning than it does
today. Baptism was a form of Penance, with its only effect
being Gods forgiveness. When John the Baptist was
baptizing, he wasnt doing it in the way Christ would later
institute. What did Christ change, or create rather, to make
Baptism something that is necessary for Salvation?
The only reason we have Christs Baptism is because
He instituted it. In Matthew 28, verses 18-20, Christ says, All
power is given to me in heaven and earth. Going, therefore,
teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. This command
makes it clear that He did in fact institute the sacrament, but
we dont know the exact moment in scripture in which He did
so.
There are multiple things that are necessary for valid
administration of Baptism. First off, we have the Matter,
which is the act of either pouring or sprinkling Holy Water on
the person, or dipping them into the water. The next element
is the Form. The Form are the words that the priest says; I
Baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Baptism also requires a minister, which is
normally a priest or a bishop, but it can actually be anyone,
as long as they are baptizing through Christ. Everyone
should receive Baptism as soon as possible, because the
sacrament is mandatory for our salvation (more on that
later.)
The new Baptism that Christ instituted gives us many
different things. First, Baptism erases all sin, including

Original Sin. Next, as all sacraments do, Baptism gives us


special actual and sacramental graces. Finally, Baptism
admits us as members of Christs Church, and we will forever
have this indelible mark printed on our character. This is
extremely important, because if we arent a member of
Christs Church, there is no way for us to go to Heaven!
This is why Baptism should be done as soon as possible.
You never know what could happen, and if you were to end
up dying while not baptized, then no matter what kind of life
you lived (you could be perfect!), you wouldnt be able to go
to heaven because you would still carry the burden of
Original Sin! Baptism isnt just necessary for this reason
alone; for valid and worthy reception of all the other
sacraments, you must be Baptized.
There are a few other ways that the sacrament of
Baptism can be received, only IF it is absolutely necessary.
For example, if you were to die a martyrs death, then you
would automatically be counted as Baptized, or if you talk to
a priest and desire greatly to be baptized, you can make a
confession and that will serve as the Baptismal ceremony.
Whichever way you end up doing it, we must remember that
it is the most necessary sacrament and that it must be done,
preferably as soon as possible after birth. Besides, youd
want to be a member of the Church as soon as possible,
right?
Source:
Laux, John. Mass And The Sacraments. Charlotte, North
Carolina; TAN Books and Publishers

You might also like