What Baptism Does for Us

(Plain Text Version)

Removal of All Sin

In Baptism, washing with water is the perfect sign of the removal of our sins.  Baptism removes Original Sin, which we inherit from Adam and Eve.  In Baptism, we regain the graces which our first parents had lost.  These include sanctifying grace, virtues (including Faith, Hope, and Charity), and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Baptism also restores the fruits of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5: 22-23).

Baptism also removes all our Actual Sins (sins which we ourselves commit).  Both the guilt and the need for punishment are removed, even for mortal (serious) sins. 

Supernatural Rebirth

Baptism accomplishes the rebirth which we need to enter Heaven (see John 3:5).  In this way, we become adopted children of God.

Taking on the Character of Christ

Baptism makes a deep, permanent change in the baptized person.  We become like Christ, who is the “Great High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14).  We have a share in His priesthood, by offering ourselves to the Father and by bringing the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice to others.

Incorporation Into the Church

At baptism, we are joined to the Church founded by Christ.  We are not merely “members” of the Church.  Christ works through us to carry out the salvation of the world.  We are joined by our fellow-Christians on Earth and by those in Heaven and those in Purgatory.  Baptism provides exceptional graces to carry out our mission.

We Must Live According to God’s Commandments

The greatest benefit of Baptism is the right to enter Heaven.  This benefit is lost if we commit mortal sins.  These sins are the willful failure to obey what we know to be serious obligations.  Mortal sins can be obvious crimes, like murder, but they can also be sins of neglect, like failure to participate in the Holy Mass on Sundays.  If we fall into mortal sin, we can be restored to all the graces of Baptism by the sacrament of Penance (also called Confession or Reconciliation).

We cannot be passive in our Christian life.  Either we draw closer to Christ, or we drift away from Him.  It is wise to aim very high in loving God and neighbor.

Baptism is a Beginning

As important as Baptism is, God has many more ways to help us have a good life on Earth and everlasting happiness in Heaven.  We will see this as we look at the other six sacraments in these little newsletters.  

Many thanks to: Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Pocket Catholic Catechism, 1989, Doubleday

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