SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Image of Sacrament of Babtism

By Edward Matulanya 

Discover the sacrament of Babtism as the gateway to life of Spirit.

1. Meaning of Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament and the “gateway to life in the Spirit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, §1213).

It incorporates the baptized into Christ and the Church.

The word baptizein means “to immerse.”

2. Biblical Foundations of Sacrament of Babtism 

Old Testament fore shadowings:

Creation and Spirit over waters (Gen 1:2).

The Flood (Gen 6–9).

Crossing the Red Sea (Ex 14).

Crossing the Jordan (Josh 3).

New Testament foundations:

John the Baptist’s ministry (Mk 1:4).

Baptism of Jesus (Mt 3:13–17).

The Great Commission (Mt 28:19).

Pentecost preaching (Acts 2:38).

Paul: Baptism unites with Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom 6:3–4; Col 2:12).

3. Early Church Practice of Sacrament of Babtism

1st century: Immediate baptism after conversion (Acts 8:36–38; Acts 16:31–33).

2nd century: Justin Martyr describes baptism as new birth (First Apology).

3rd century: Hippolytus gives detailed liturgical steps (Apostolic Tradition).

4th–5th centuries: Augustine emphasizes baptism’s necessity and its effect against original sin.

4. Theology of Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is necessary for salvation (John 3:5; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, §1257).

Effects: forgiveness of sins, new birth, sanctifying grace, incorporation into the Church, and indelible character (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, §§1262–1274).

5. Form and Matter of Sacrament of Babtism 

Matter: Water. The Church teaches that the matter of Baptism must be true and natural water. This can be fresh or salt water, cold or warm, still or flowing. However, it must remain genuine water; if another substance is used, such as oil, wine, or a liquid that alters the essence of water, the sacrament would be invalid (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1993, §1239–1240).

Form: Trinitarian formula: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19).

Minister: Normally bishop, priest, or deacon; in necessity, anyone (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, §1256).

6. The Rite of sacrament of Babtism Today 

Outlined in the Roman Ritual:

1. Reception at the church doors.

2. Sign of the Cross.

3. Liturgy of the Word.

4. Exorcism and anointing.

5. Blessing of baptismal water.

6. Renunciation of sin and profession of faith.

7. Baptism with water.

8. Anointing with Chrism.

9. White garment.

10. Baptismal candle.

11. Blessing.

7. Types of Baptism

i. Water (ordinary).

ii. Desire (for catechumens or seekers who die before baptism).

iii. Blood (martyrs).

8. Effects of sacrament of Babtism 

Removal of original and personal sin (Acts 22:16).

New creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).

Sanctifying grace (Titus 3:5–7).

Membership in Church (1 Cor 12:13).

Indelible mark (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, §1272).

9. Ecumenical Aspect of Sacrament of Babtism 

Most Christian baptisms are recognized if performed with water and Trinitarian formula (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, §1271).

References

Augustine. (1956). On baptism, against the Donatists (J. R. King, Trans.). In P. Schaff (Ed.), Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series (Vol. 4). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. (Original work published c. 400).

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1994). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Codex Iuris Canonici [Code of Canon Law]. (1983). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Hippolytus of Rome. (1992). The Apostolic Tradition (B. S. Easton, Trans.). Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press. (Original work published c. 215).

Holy Bible. (2001). New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Washington, DC: National Council of Churches.

Justin Martyr. (1997). First Apology (T. B. Falls, Trans.). Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press. (Original work published c. 155).