Sacrament of Baptism – Biblical Basis
Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration and initiation into the church. By the merits of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the sacrament of Baptism causes the total annulment of the sins and ushers the baptized individual into a new life. Let us explore the significance and the Biblical basis of the sacrament of Baptism.
Baptism of Jesus.
Jesus received his baptism from John the Baptist. Here Jesus was getting anointed by a Levitical priest (John is the son of Zechariah the priest) and this marks the beginning of Jesus’ mission. The heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus and God the father proclaimed that Jesus is His beloved son. The presence of the Holy Trinity can also be observed during the baptism of Jesus.
“And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Mathew 2:16-17)
Salvation through Baptism
Jesus proclaimed that those who are baptized with water and Spirit will enter the kingdom of God and will be saved.
“Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
Institution of the Sacrament of Baptism
Jesus instructed the disciples to baptize the nations in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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….” (Mathew 28:18-19)
Baptism leads to a new life with Christ in us
The Sacrament of Baptism endows us with a sanctifying grace and imparts upon our soul the permanent mark of a Christian. Through the sacrament of Baptism we become the sons of God and we put on Christ and thus marks the beginning of a new life!
“…for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)
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