Divine Word College of Laoag

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Baptism
I. Overview

Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration and initiation into the Church that was begun by Jesus, who
accepted baptism from St. John the Baptist and also ordered the Apostles to baptize in the name of the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). According to the teaching of St. Paul, which draws an
analogy with the death and resurrection of Jesus, baptism is death to former life and emergence of a new
person.

Baptism has different meanings to the various branches of Christianity that practice the rite. Generally,
baptism is a Christian rite of passage, tradition, and admission to the church. Baptism, at its simplest, is
considered to be a rebirth of the one receiving the sacrament; a cleansing of sin. Holy Baptism is the basis of
the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives
access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we
become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is
the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

Baptism is believed to be one of the official sacraments of the church. Members of the Christian church
consider it to be a sacrament because it is widely accepted that Jesus Christ himself was baptized. Some
Christians believe that baptism is considered necessary for salvation. Still others believe that the rite aligns
the person with Jesus Christ and the Christian church's activities. Most Christians would agree that baptism
cleanses the recipient of 'original sin' - which is why typically infants are baptized shortly after birth.
Christians are baptized in four different ways: aspersion, affusion, immersion, or submersion.

'To put it most simply, the power, effect, benefit, fruit and purpose of Baptism is to save. No one is
baptized in order to become a prince, but as the words say, to 'be saved.' To be saved, we know, is nothing
else than to be delivered from sin, death, and the devil and to enter into the kingdom of Christ and live with
him forever.' Luther's Large Catechism, 1529
 Divine Word College of Laoag
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

II. Definition of Terms

Baptism
After the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to "plunge" or
"immerse"; the "plunge" into the water symbolizes the catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which he
rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new creature". This sacrament is also called "the washing of
regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit," for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the
Spirit without which no one "can enter the kingdom of God". "This bath is called enlightenment, because those
who receive this [catechetical] instruction are enlightened in their understanding". Having received in Baptism
the Word, "the true light that enlightens every man," the person baptized has been "enlightened," he becomes a
"son of light," indeed, he becomes "light" himself.

Sacrament
Sacrament is a religious ceremony recognized by the Christian church, or a rite of passage that infers
some blessing or grace on people who receive it.

Aspersion
Aspersion is a baptismal method done by the sprinkling of water on the head of the recipient. This
method is used by some factions of the Roman Catholic Church, the United Church of Christ, and Church of the
Nazarene.

Affusion
Affusion is a baptismal method completed by pouring water over the head of the recipient. This
method is used by the Methodist Church and most Protestant churches.

Immersion
Immersion is done by dipping the person totally or partially into water. This method is used by
Eastern Orthodox Churches, the United Church of God, and by most Community Churches.

Submersion
Submersion is performed by completely covering the recipient in water. This method is used by the
Evangelical Free Church and the Seventh-day Adventists
 Divine Word College of Laoag
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

III. Biblical Foundations

Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments. It was established by Jesus and has a strong biblical
basis. The Gospels report that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-
11; Lk 3:21-22). Jesus modeled the reception of baptism. Jesus saw the spiritual value of baptism for himself
and, in doing so, showed that those who believe in him should also be baptized.

On one hand, it appears that Jesus did baptize people. The Gospel of John explains that, “Jesus and
his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing” (Jn 3:22), and that
“Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John” (Jn 4:1). John the Baptist said that Jesus would
“baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Mt 3:11). Yet, on the other hand, the fourth Gospel also states that
“Jesus himself was not baptizing, just his disciples” (Jn 4:2

Jesus instituted the sacrament of baptism when he commissioned his disciples before his ascension.
He instructed them, “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).

Jesus’ death on the cross saves sinners, and the water that flowed from his side (Jn 19:34) represents his
saving grace that is poured out over believers in the waters of baptism.

Baptism held such an important place in the spiritual life of the early Church that John the Evangelist
wove baptismal imagery into the encounter between Jesus and Peter at the Sea of Tiberias. When Peter saw
Jesus, he “tucked in his garment,” which represents a baptismal garment, and he “jumped into the sea” (Jn
21:7), which represents the waters of baptism. When Peter said, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you” (Jn
21:15), he made a profession of faith, which is equivalent to baptismal promises.

The disciples took Jesus’ commissioning to heart and began a vigorous baptismal ministry. Peter invited
his listeners to “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). He explained that those who are baptized would be
forgiven of their sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and “those who accepted his message were
baptized, and about 3,000 persons were added that day” (Acts 2:41). He also baptized Cornelius and a number
of others in Joppa (Acts 10:48).

Baptism is prefigured in a number of Old Testament events: the creation of the world when a mighty
wind, the Spirit, swept over the waters (Gn 1:2); the great flood that marked the end of sin and the beginning of
goodness (Gn 7-8); the crossing of the Red Sea when the Israelites were delivered through water (Ex 14:21-22);
and when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land
(Jos 3:14-17).
 Divine Word College of Laoag
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

IV. Rituals, Materials and Symbols

Familiar Symbols Used in Baptism

There are five universal symbols of baptism: the cross, a white garment, oil, water, and light. Other
familiar symbols include the baptismal font, scriptural readings and prayers, and godparents. These symbols
represent the philosophies and teachings of the Christian religion and the traditions and rituals of an individual
church and its congregation. Baptism is one of the sacraments of the church, and babies being baptized are
welcomed as members of the Christian community. It is part of the Christian faith that once a baby has been
baptized, he or she becomes a member of the family of God.

The Cross
The cross is a universal symbol of Christianity. Making the sign of the cross over a child during the
baptism invokes God's protection and asks for entrance into the body of the Christian church. You will find this
symbol in many Christian rituals as well as in Christian churches. The cross is also a symbol of Jesus'
crucifixion. Jesus' death was his sacrifice to clear the sins of all mankind. The cross is one of the most familiar
of all Christian symbols.

White Clothing
White is the color of purity and wearing a white garment during baptism symbolizes that the person
being baptized now has a clean slate in the eyes of God. Christians believe everyone is born with "original sin"
which is only washed away through baptism. The white garment symbolizes that the baptized person is now
clothed in the mantle of God and will start a clean life in His eyes and in the eyes of the church.

The Oil
Oil is another baptismal symbol of the Holy Spirit. Of course, oil also symbolizes the Holy Spirit during
other sacraments and religious gatherings. During a baptism, the baby is anointed with oil, and oil is mentioned
several times in the Bible as a symbol of bringing the person and the Holy Spirit together. Holy oils are used
during baptism to strengthen the faith of the anointed. They also symbolize the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism Water
Water is the Christian symbol of divine life as well as a sign of purity and cleansing from sin. The
outward sign of baptism is the actual pouring of the water on the head while reciting the words, "I baptize thee
in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." The cleansing quality of water is considered something
that can purify a person from the outside. The holy water signifies that life is given to man by God and is a
symbol of His grace. Water also recalls the gospel, John 3: this 1-6, "... unless a man is born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God..."

The Baptism Light

Light as a symbol of baptism is represented by the passing of a lighted candle from the celebrant to the
godparents. The candle represents moving from death to life in Christ. Light, like water, is essential to the
survival of life because, without the light of the sun, nothing would exist on earth. In addition to being a symbol
of the genesis and vitality of life, the candle is a symbol of Christ as "the light of the world" and the Christian
faith. When this candle is burning, religious faith is present.

The Dove
In baptism, dove symbolism depicts the Holy Spirit. According to the Bible, when Jesus was baptized,
the heavens opened, God spoke and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. The dove
affirmed Jesus as the Chosen One. This miraculous event demonstrates the loving union between the three
aspects of the Christian Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. The dove symbolizes peace
between God and human beings as well. When the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove at Jesus' baptism, this showed
that God (through Jesus) would pay the price for the sins of humanity so humanity could ultimately be
reconciled with God.

Rite of Baptism
Sign of the Cross

The sign of the cross is traced on the child's forehead by both the priest and the chosen godparents at the
beginning of the Baptismal ceremony. This symbolizes that the child belongs to Christ and it is a reminder of
the love Jesus has for them

Baptismal Promises

Based on the Apostles Creed, the Baptismal promises are those made by the parents of the child who is
being baptized. The priest, parents and child gather around the Baptismal font (the bowl that holds the
Baptismal water) as the priest asks of the parents what they want for their child. The parents ask for Baptism
and then continue on to make the promises on behalf of their child.

Basically, the Baptismal promises address these questions:

Do you reject Satan, and all his works?

Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died,
and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? (Catholic Culture, 2012).

Anointing

Two oils are used during the anointing; the Oil of Baptism (or Catechumens - someone who is preparing
to enter the Christian faith) and the Oil of Chrism (SJEC, 2010). The priest anoints the child with the oils using
his thumb in the sign of the cross to symbolize that they are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Baptism with Water

This section of the Baptism ceremony relates directly to the water Baptism that John the Baptist
performed on Jesus. The priest pours water over the head of the child (rarely they immerse the child in water)
and says "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." By doing so the priest
is symbolically cleansing the child of all sin and welcoming them into their new spiritual life (Delaney, 2005).
Candle

The child's Baptismal candle is a symbol of new life and is considered the light of Christ as it is lit from
the Easter candle. It is usually the father or godparent who lights the candle and stands beside the child.

White Garment

The white colour of the garment symbolizes the recipient being clothed in Christ and also purity
(Delaney, 2005). Many parents purchase special gowns or sash's for their children to wear when being baptized.
They often have religious symbols such as a cross as a sign of Christ.

Godparents

A Godparent must be fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church.

 The Necessity of Baptism

The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation.60 He also commands his disciples to
proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them.61 Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom
the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament. 62 The Church
does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes
care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are "reborn of
water and the Spirit." God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his
sacraments. "Since Christ died for all, and since all men are in fact called to one and the same destiny, which is
divine, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partakers, in a way known to
God, of the Paschal mystery."63 Every man who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church, but seeks
the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it, can be saved. It may be supposed
that such persons would have desired Baptism explicitly if they had known its necessity.

 The Grace of Baptism

The different effects of Baptism are signified by the perceptible elements of the sacramental rite. Immersion
in water symbolizes not only death and purification, but also regeneration and renewal. Thus the two principal
effects are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.

For the forgiveness of sins . . .

By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin.66 In
those who have been reborn nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God, neither
Adam's sin, nor personal sin, nor the consequences of sin, the gravest of which is separation from God.

Yet certain temporal consequences of sin remain in the baptized, such as suffering, illness, death, and such
frailties inherent in life as weaknesses of character, and so on, as well as an inclination to sin that Tradition calls
concupiscence, or metaphorically, "the tinder for sin" (fomes peccati); since concupiscence "is left for us to
wrestle with, it cannot harm those who do not consent but manfully resist it by the grace of Jesus Christ." 67
Indeed, "an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."

"A new creature"

 Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte "a new creature," an adopted son of
God, who has become a "partaker of the divine nature,"69 member of Christ and co-heir with him,70 and a
temple of the Holy Spirit.

The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification:

- enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues;
- giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy
Spirit;
- allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues.
Thus the whole organism of the Christian's supernatural life has its roots in Baptism.
 Divine Word College of Laoag
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

V. References

 https://baby.lovetoknow.com/baptism/baptism-symbols
 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a1.htm
 https://theholysacramentofbaptism.weebly.com/current-ritual-structure.html
 https://thecatholicspirit.com/faith/focus-on-faith/faith-fundamentals/scriptural-basis-baptism/
 https://www.scripturecatholic.com/sacrament-of-baptism/
 https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-baptism-definition-lesson-quiz.html