Among many rituals, a special ritual in Christianity that celebrates the spiritual birth of a person is baptism – a necessary step on the path to becoming a Christian.
Baptism came from the Greek baptisma, which means to dip or immerse. There was no debate about its meaning when John the Baptist began urging people to repent. Anyone who went to John the Baptist was immersed in water, and that was considered baptism.
Baptism is one of the three sacraments of initiation, along with confession and communion. In baptism, we are reborn as children of God and become members of the Catholic Church.
In this post, we’ll explore why baptism is important.
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15 Benefits Of Baptism In Christianity
Baptism is a sacrament in the Catholic Church. Through baptism, we receive many blessings, including forgiveness of sins, new life in Christ, and church membership.
1. Baptism Was Decreed By Christ
Baptism has been an essential element of Christianity since its beginning. The first recorded person receiving baptism is Jesus.
Baptism is thus important for the New Testament church and its members, as Jesus’ final instructions to His followers attest. Following Jesus, the disciples carried out His wishes. And they baptized the new believers as Jesus had directed them.
Jesus acknowledged the need for baptism, which was not even preached by John the Baptist until Jesus told him to do so.
2. Baptism Is The Door To Christianity
Baptism is frequently called the ‘gateway to the Church’ – a door that opens other sacraments. It’s all of that, and so much more. Through baptism, we are welcomed into the Catholic Church and become children of God.
Baptism is a common practice among nearly all Christian denominations, who believe it to be an order from God and a way of following Jesus’ example.
3. Baptism Frees Us From Sin
Baptism removes the shackles of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The person being baptized is submerged in water, then emerges into a new life of grace and freedom from sin.
In the Catholic Church, baptism is considered a rebirth. In fact, it is often described as being born again.
Baptism offers the gift of salvation from sin and death. In baptism, we are reborn with a new nature that seeks after God—to live according to his will by obeying the ten commandments and striving toward the perfection he calls us to.
4. Baptism Is A Public Confession Of Faith
Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It is an outward sign of an inward commitment to follow Him.
When baptized, we are making a statement before the world that we are followers of Christ and will live according to his teachings.
It is also a sign of our membership in the Catholic Church.
Related Video – What Is Baptism and Why Is It So Important?
5. Baptism Is A Sacrament Of Mercy
Baptism is one of the six sacraments of mercy. It includes confession, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony.
The sacrament of baptism is a sign of God’s love and mercy for us. It is an opportunity for us to receive forgiveness and start fresh with a new life in Christ.
Baptism also gives us a new focus on our lives—we are called to turn away from sin and live holy lives for God.
6. Baptism Is The Sacrament Of Salvation
Baptism is a sacrament of salvation. It washes away our sins and grants us a new life in Christ—a life filled with grace, spiritual gifts, and eternal rewards in heaven.
Baptism also brings an end to our separation from God and unites us with Him in a very special way.
We can receive the full benefits of baptism only by living a holy life in accordance with Christ’s teachings.
7. Baptism Marks Our Entry Into God’s Family
Baptism marks our entry into God’s family as his children. We are now brothers and sisters in Christ, and we have a new identity as members of the Catholic Church.
We are to love one another as Jesus has loved us and work towards our own salvation and the salvation of others.
Baptism is not just a symbol—it’s an action that makes us children of God, members of His Church, and heirs to eternal life in heaven.
8. Baptism Is A Sign Of God’s Love For Us
Baptism is a public declaration of our love for God. It is an outward sign of our desire to return to Him.
We are saying yes to God and committing ourselves to follow Him when baptized. We are also asking for His forgiveness and mercy, which He always freely offers us.
Baptism is a crucial step on our journey back to God.
9. Baptism Gives Us New Life
In baptism, we become members of His Church and are given the hope of eternal life.
When we are baptized, we receive new life in Christ. This new life is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies us and empowers us to follow Jesus Christ as His disciples.
This new life is a gift from God, and it is something we should celebrate and be grateful for.
10. Baptism Requires Prayer & Faith
Christians must have a strong faith and pray for their loved ones who were baptized.
The sacrament of baptism requires both prayer and faith. We must believe in the power of baptism to cleanse us from sin and to give us new life in Christ.
We must also pray for those who have been baptized, that they may grow in their faith and love for Jesus Christ.
11. Baptism Makes Us Part Of The Whole Body Of Christ
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church, but it’s more than that.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes baptism as the gateway to life in the Spirit. It is where we are reborn, through the grace of Christ, into His Church.
The result of Baptism, according to Pope John Paul II, is a mystical oneness between Christ and his followers – branches of a single vine. This reflects the Holy Trinity’s mystical communion.
The entire Catholic Church is united in faith and love for God, who requires baptism for salvation.
12. Baptism Is The Gateway To Communion
We believe that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist is very important for our spiritual lives and salvation in the Catholic Church.
This is why only baptized Catholics are allowed to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, which is an important part of being truly united with Christ.
Without receiving Holy Communion, we are separated from God. And hence, we cannot be fully engaged in his plans for our lives.
13. Baptism Allocates Different Roles In The Church
In the Catholic Church, baptism is the entrance requirement to join other sacraments. Baptism allocates a specific role in participating in church activities and practicing our faith.
It allows you to work with the church’s apostolic ministry to bring God’s salvific message to more and more people across time and space. Obeying the Lord’s command not only obliges you to assist the poor but also encourages you to provide for yourself.
Only those baptized can receive Communion, be confirmed, or receive other sacraments such as holy orders and penance.
14. Baptism Is A Spiritual Symbolism
One of the beautiful things about baptism is its spiritual symbolism. It represents our faith in God and our hope for a new life in Christ.
It also represents our union with the Catholic Church and our commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
Baptism is a physical sign of our spiritual beliefs and values. It is a public declaration of our faith in God and our desire to follow Him.
15. Baptism Is The Doorway To A Lifetime Of Faithful Living
Once baptized, we are called to live our lives in faithfulness to Christ.
It means following His teachings, living a holy life, and working towards our own salvation and the salvation of others.
It also means being part of the Catholic Church – the one true Church founded by Jesus Christ.
Baptism is the doorway to a lifetime of faithful living. We are called to follow Jesus Christ all the days of our lives.
The Importance Of Baptism – Conclusion
Baptism is an important step on our journey back to God. It marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faithfulness to Him.
Through baptism, we are welcomed into the Catholic Church and become part of the Body of Christ. We receive the grace of God, which helps us live holy lives for Him.
We are given a new focus on our lives – we are called to turn away from sin and live for God.
References
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zvxtgwx/revision/7
- https://classroom.synonym.com/10-things-all-christian-religions-have-in-common-12087540.html
- https://summitchurch.com/Content/Images/Position-Paper-Baptism.pdf
- https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_30121988_christifideles-laici.html
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eucharist
- https://prezi.com/xyiq9uffgr5o/rights-and-responsibilities-of-the-baptized/