|
 It's
an ACT of GOD that unites us with the
risen Christ and makes us members of God's family. We've
provided you with a few questions & answers to guide you to a better
understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism. You may
want to read about Baptisms at St. John.
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What
is the Sacrament of Baptism?
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Why
should I know about Baptism?
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What
is the origin of Baptism?
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Why
is Baptism a Sacrament?
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What
is the meaning of Baptism?
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What
are the elements of Baptism?
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How
does Baptism affect daily life?
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How
is Baptism celebrated and who can be baptized?
Through
water filled with the power of God's Word, Baptism:
Washes
away the guilt of our sins
Bestows
God's grace upon us
Delivers
us from the power of death
Promises
us eternal life in God's Kingdom
Baptism
is a sign & a deed. A sign of God's love and will that we be reborn
in the
image of Christ our Savior and a deed by God that enables us to live according to
the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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Baptism
opens the door to new life in Jesus Christ. It brings us closer to God
& closer to others. Baptism marks the beginning of our spiritual
journey in life. God walks with us on this journey, forgives our sins,
and sends us the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Baptism lets us share in the
life of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross so that we may have new
life. Through Baptism we are reborn as children of God. We become
brothers and sisters in a new family that includes Christians all over the
world. The grace we receive at Baptism helps us throughout life to form
relationships with others based on love, mutual respect and forgiveness.
Through Baptism, each of us belongs to Christ.
"So, if anyone
is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see,
everything has become new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
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 The
Old Testament
describes ceremonies in which people washed themselves with water, to purify
their bodies in obedience to God's law. John
the Baptist,
baptized people in the Jordan River. Unlike earlier washings, John's
manner of Baptism summoned people to repentance. This was God's way of
preparing people for the coming of the Messiah who would forgive their sins.
Jesus'
Baptism was in
the Jordan River by John the Baptist. When Jesus came out of the water,
a voice spoke from heaven and the Holy Spirit, descending in the form of a
dove, filled Him. After
the resurrection, Jesus gave the
command to Baptize:
"Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
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Baptism is a Sacrament
because it acts as a bridge between God and God's people. God's Word,
which promises us eternal life, comes to us across this bridge. Water is
the common, everyday element by which God reaches us. Jesus established
Christian Baptism. In a special way, God is present to those who receive
the sacrament.
"Very truly, I tell
you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and
Spirit." John 3:5
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Baptism
gives us new life in Jesus Christ!
Victory
Over Death
People
failed to obey God and love each other, all people became subject to eternal
suffering and death. Only Jesus succeeded in loving God and people
completely. Through Baptism, we begin to fulfill God's plan for us by
dying with Christ and being raised with Christ. Christ's victory over
death is our victory over death.
Forgiveness
of Sins
Christ
died for our sins so that we may be reunited with God. All who are baptized
into Christ are forgiven their sins and may freely grow in grace.
Salvation
At
Baptism, we receive God's promise of salvation. At the same time, we receive
the faith we need to be open to God's grace. In this way,
Baptism prepares us for eternal life.
Life
in God's Kingdom
Baptism
is the door to life in Jesus. When we receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit at Baptism, we enter a new life based on the power of God's love.
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Baptism
joins water and God's Word, to give us life, forgiveness and salvation.
Water is the physical
element in Baptism, which cleanses and renews us. Through water, God
promises the person receiving Baptism eternal life. God's
Word is at once
the source of life and the power that gives life. Through the Gospel and
the sacraments, Christ is present in the church. In Baptism, God's
Word is present in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit.
"The
one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not
believe will be condemned." Mark 16:16
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The
sacrament of Baptism is the key to Christian life. At Baptism, the Holy
Spirit comes to live in us, bringing us precious gifts that can renew our
lives. These gifts help us better serve our brothers and sisters, and
work and worship creatively. These gifts include forgiveness and
love. Through Baptism, our sins are forgiven. With God's grace, we may
live a new life free from guilt and confusion. Baptism opens the door to
love. Through it, we become better able to respond to God's love and in
turn to love other people and ourselves more fully. One must understand
the true meaning of this sacrament, participate in the celebration whenever
possible, look for daily renewal, and share your faith in God with others.
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Baptism
is a joyous celebration as well as a sacred one. It's meant to be shared
by family, sponsors, godparents, and the whole church community. In
Baptism, each of us is given certain roles & responsibilities. All
of us have a unique part to play in the celebration of Baptism.
Baptism
is usually administered
by pouring using
cupped hands or baptismal shell. The pastor pours water on the
person's head. Pouring is the most common method of Baptism. Immersion
is rarely used and may take place in special pools set up in a church.
These pools may be swimming pools, large fonts, even lakes and rivers.
The pastor dips the person's body under water.
There's
many special
symbols
associated with the celebration making Baptism more meaningfully. The Sign
of the Cross
traced on the forehead is the mark of God's ownership. When traced with
oil (anointing), the cross symbolizes the gifts of the Holy
Spirit. A white
garment shows
that the baptized person is clothed in the new life of Christ. Members
of the congregation may make and decorate the garment. A Baptismal
candle
symbolizes Jesus Christ. The candle may be relit on the anniversary of
the Baptism and during prayer. Banners
help express joy and thanks for God's gifts at Baptism.
People
may be baptized at any age, but need to receive this sacrament only once in
their lifetime. Infants
and children are
baptized so that they may receive the benefits of God's grace, freedom from
sin, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Adults
are baptized after a period of instruction and a profession of faith.
"Let
the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these
that the Kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not
receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
Mark 10:14-15
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