An Apologetical Explanation of the

Sacrament of Baptism

What is the significance of the Sacrament of Baptism?

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”  (Mt 28:19)

Peter said to [the multitude], “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”   (Acts 2:38)

Christ instituted the Sacrament of Baptism as an essential act for our salvation (cf. Jn 3:5).  Its waters cleanse us of all guilt associated with sin—both Original Sin and actual sin—fill us with grace, and make us children of God.  We also become members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church, giving us a share in the Kingdom of God.  (Cf. CCC 1987, 2813)

A bishop, priest, or deacon normally confers Baptism, but anyone can baptize in an emergency by pouring water over the recipient’s head, while praying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  For this reason, the Church teaches that “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word”  (Roman Catechism, II 2, 5; cf. Council of Florence: DS 1314; CIC 204 § 1; 849; CCEO 675 § 1).  (Cf. CCC 232-233, 694, 1256, 1278)

The Sacrament of Baptism…

  • Removes Original Sin and all actual sin.  (Cf. CCC 978, 1263)
  • Imprints an indelible sign on the soul that consecrates a person for Christian worship through a share in the common priesthood of the faithful.  (Cf. CCC 1272, 1280)
  • Incorporates a person into Christ’s Mystical Body, the Church.  (Cf. CCC 1267, 2782)
  • Confers sanctifying grace, which is a share in God’s own life; the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity; and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  (Cf. CCC 1266)
  • Confers actual grace, which is assistance from God to resist sin and to follow his will in life.  (CCC 2024)
  • Makes the recipient a child of God and a temple of the Holy Spirit.  (Cf. CCC 1263, 1265)
  • Bestows the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, which help to perfect the natural and theological virtues.  (Cf. CCC 1834-1838)
  • Gives us entry into Heaven after a life lived in Christ.  (Cf. CCC 1274, 2020)

Baptism is called the “door” to the other Sacraments because it must be received before any others can be conferred.  (Cf. CCC 846, 1213)

The Catechism addresses this question in paragraph 1213.

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