The Meaning and Significance of Baptism for Christians Today

The Meaning and Significance of Baptism for Christians Today

The meaning and significance of baptism today is the same as it has

always been since its conception. It is a sacrament of initiation. We

are being welcomed into the community of Christ's Church.

"Baptism makes us members of the body of Christ. Therefore we are

members one of another…. Baptism incorporates us into the church".

'Catechism 1267'

The sacrament of initiation is the begging or entry point to becoming

a Christian. You cannot become a member of the Christian Church unless

you are baptized. It is also a sign of belonging.

"The Lord himself affirms that baptism is necessary for salvation. He

also commands his disciples to proclaim the gospel to all the nations

and to baptize them. Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to

whom the gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility

of using for this sacrament. The church does not know of any other

means than baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude". 'Catechism

1257'

When we are born we are born into our family, our blood and genetic

family. Parents want the best for their children. They want their

children to have all the opportunities they have had, and to enjoy all

the things they themselves have found enjoyable in their own lives. So

parents who belong to a church want their children also to be part of

the church. They want their children to work and to build up the

church community in their own parish. But to become part of the church

the children must be baptized. Through baptism people become part of

the church, become part of God's family and are called to follow

Christ.

Baptism is the first sacrament of many, but if you are not baptized

you may not receive the other sacraments. The congregation welcomes

the new member of the church, and we belong to the church for the

first time. We are baptized because our parents want us to belong to

the church.