Chapter Three BAPTISM Baptism Overcomes Sin and Death
Chapter Three BAPTISM
Baptism Overcomes Sin and Death • Baptism initiates us into the Church, gives grace, rebirth • Baptism forgives original sin and personal sin
Baptism Overcomes Sin and Death • Original Sin--state of human brokenness into which humans are born, inclination to sin • Baptism gives Christ’s grace, erases original sin • Jesus’ death on cross wins for us redemption and atonement for our sins
Baptism Overcomes Sin and Death • Source of our salvation Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross • With Christ, we die in the sacrament of Baptism--to live a new life • Faith needed to recognize the fruit of the sacrament
Effects of Baptism - Frees Us From Sin • Efficacious symbol • Actually washes away sin • Power to fight inclination to sin
Effects of Baptism - Makes Us New • Fundamental identity is changed • Blessed Trinity gives sanctifying grace to: • Believe, hope, and love in God • Be guided by Holy Spirit • To grow in goodness through the moral virtues
Effects of Baptism - Makes Us Members of the Church • All Baptized are members of the Body of Christ • God’s grace makes it possible to follow God’s call • Share in common priesthood of all believers
Effects of Baptism - Marked with Seal of Eternal Life • Sealed with indelible spiritual mark or character • Nothing can erase the mark of Baptism
Rites of Baptism • • • Welcome Sign of the Cross Word of God • Anointing with Exorcisms Chrism Blessing of Water • White Garment Baptism • Lighted Candle • Approaching Altar • Our Father • Solemn Blessing
Biblical Roots • Baptism prefigured in Old Testament events – Noah and flood – Crossing of Red Sea and liberation from Egypt – Crossing of Jordan River
Biblical Roots • Jesus’ public ministry begins with his Baptism • Presence of the Holy Spirit • Waters of our new life flow from Jesus’ death--Jesus’ baptism of suffering
Biblical Roots • Jewish baptisms before time of Jesus: – Ritual washings to purify – Proselyte baptism--ceremony for converts to Judaism • Baptism with water and Baptism with Spirit merge at Pentecost--born again of “water and spirit”
Baptism in Early Church • After Pentecost disciples go and “make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”
Baptism in Early Church • Essential steps to becoming a Christian: – – Hear Word of God, be converted by it Desire to live by faith/profess faith Triple immersion in water Become member of the Church community
Baptism in Early Church • Longer period of preparation develops--catechumenate involving: – – Willingness to change Public examination Exorcism Holy Saturday--blessing by bishop, oil, sign of cross, scripture, and prayer
Baptism in Early Church • Sunday- arrival at place of Baptism – – – – Renounce Satan Anointing with oil Descend naked into water Belief statements Dress in white linen Candle Public confirmation by bishop
Who Can Receive Baptism? • Christ taught Baptism is necessary for salvation • All people may be baptized • Bishop, priest, or deacon is ordinary minister (except in case of emergency) • Baptism of desire • Baptism of blood
Who Can Receive Baptism? • Baptism of Adults – Requires conversion of heart – Requires process of the catechumenate – Learn to turn heart away from evil – Period of regular prayer and study – Naming of elect at beginning of Lent – Intense preparation for sacraments of initiation
Who Can Receive Baptism? • Infant Baptism – Why? to free from original sin, early Church tradition, and as a sign of love • Baptism reminds us of God’s unconditional love • Baptism is a free and unconditional gift
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