Why is Baptism important?

Postcard - Baptism of Jesus in Jordan

Have you ever wondered why in the Catholic Church we have the sacrament of Baptism? Or why Catholics baptize children? What does it mean for Catholics to have this sacrament?

The word sacrament means sacred. For Catholics, the sacraments are sacred because Christ instituted them. In total we have 7 sacraments, but today we are going to focus on the first sacrament in the life of a Catholic, baptism.

Baptism, the verb to baptize derives from a Greek word that has the meaning of immersing. That is why when someone is going to be baptized, they are immersed in water and oil is anointed.

This sacrament Jesus instituted in

Matthew 28,19 Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the 20 Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

Baptism is one of the most important sacraments that the Catholic Church has. It is a sacrament of initiation since through Baptism you are a child of God, you receive the Holy Spirit, and you become part of the Catholic Church.

Jesus Christ comes to us and is baptized by John the Baptist. Although Jesus Christ is the son of God, he did it for our learnings and to fulfill everything that had been written by God. 

Matthew 3,15 Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands.

The only difference is that John baptized with water, but Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. As we can see in

Mark 1,8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 

That is why in Baptisms we are immersed in water and oil is anointed; the water symbolizes the purification and vivification of the Holy Spirit, and is poured 3 times mentioning that one is baptized in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of the oil, or chrism, means that you are a new Christian and commits you to Christ a triple mission of being a prophet, king and priest. He becomes a son of God, brother of Jesus Christ, and heir to the King of God. That is why the Church invites you to Baptize as soon as possible to receive this sacrament.

The 3 theological teachings

The church also mentions that in Baptism there are 3 theological teachings

The first theological teaching given by the Catholic Church 

Mark 1,9 No sooner had he come up out of the water than he saw the heavens torn apart, 

When He came out of the water the Heavens opened theologically the gates of Heaven open for those who are baptized.

The second theological teaching is that the Holy Spirit descend and settle on in the form of a dove. 

Mark. 1,10 And the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. 

An important symbol in the Catholic Church.

The third theological teaching 

Mark 1,11 You are my Son, the Beloved; my favor rests on you,

That is why the church theologically receives these words from God not only for Jesus Christ but we also become children of God. Another quote in the bible where we can see it is in 

Romans 8,14 Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God. 

And in baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, our path is guided by Him in our lives.

Baptism also helps us as an instrument for our salvation, as 1ª says. 

From Peter 3,21 That water is a type of the baptism which saves you now,

There it is not about bodily cleansing but rather asking God for our reconciliation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That is why we receive this gift that God instituted. The sacrament of Baptism.

If you like this article, then don't forget to subscribe to my blog. If you would like to support me and see my articles on Medium, click here.