The Sacrament of Baptism and John the Baptist

“ "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ” “ "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ” Matthew: 3-11

Who was John the Baptist? John was the son of Elizabeth and Zacharia In the Bible, Jesus’ mother Mary went to visit Elizabeth and when she saw Mary John “leapt in her womb” John was portrayed as a wanderer whose acts became so famous, people asked if he was the Messiah

Who was John the Baptist? John baptized many in his life but most significantly, he baptized Jesus in the river Jordan =-1tmTP5Jfb8 =-1tmTP5Jfb8http:// =-1tmTP5Jfb8 =-1tmTP5Jfb8 4:36mins

Who was John the Baptist? John openly challenged the Roman ruler of the area at the time, Herod As a result, Herod had him imprisoned and beheaded John was portrayed as a wanderer whose acts became so famous, people asked if he was the Messiah

The Sacrament of Baptism “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, he who in his great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; a birth to an imperishable inheritance, incapable of fading or defilement, which is kept in heaven for you who are guarded with God’s power through faith; a birth to a salvation which stands ready to be revealed in the last days.” “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, he who in his great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; a birth to an imperishable inheritance, incapable of fading or defilement, which is kept in heaven for you who are guarded with God’s power through faith; a birth to a salvation which stands ready to be revealed in the last days.” 1 Peter: 3-5. Baptismal font: used in the Catholic Church to administer the rite of baptism

What is Baptism? Baptism is a Sacrament of Christian initiation –The word originates from the Greek word “baptein” meaning “to dip” –The rite is performed with water, representing cleansing and purity –Most religions regard baptism as a sacrament but some only see it as an ordinance or a rite

History of Baptism Baptism originated from the Jewish ritual of Mikvah In the Catholic faith, Baptism is the sacrament by which we are freed from “original sin”, which we believe we are all born with as a result of Adam and Eve falling from grace It is for this reason, that we baptize our members when they are infants, other faiths sometimes believe that you are not capable of sin until you are an adult so they wait

Original Sin God created man in his image and established him in his friendship. A spiritual creature, man can live this friendship only in free submission to God Man, tempted by the devil, let his trust in his Creator die in his heart and, abusing his freedom, disobeyed God's command. This was man’s first, or “original” sin.

Original Sin & Original Holiness When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden by their disobedience, they lost the sanctifying grace with which they had been blessed when they were created. We inherit their fallen state, and are born without that sanctifying grace.

Why is Baptism Necessary? The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. –“Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, 'You must be born from above.‘” –John 3:5-7 The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal life.

Baptism and the Holy Trinity Jesus also commanded his disciples to baptize all nations in the name of the Trinity –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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." –Matt. 28:19-20

What are the Effects of Baptism? The two principal effects of Baptism are: –purification from sins –and new birth in the Holy Spirit.

Rite of Passage in the Church You are only baptized once Baptism makes us members of the Church. We belong now to Christ. We are called to serve others. We enjoy rights within the Church

“Let the Children come to me... For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”

On a piece of paper answer the following question. What does your baptism mean to you?