Baptism
Baptism is a sacrament that frees man from original sin and personal guilt, which makes him a member of Christ and His Church. Therefore, Baptism is the door to a new and extraordinary life. It is the amends to a friendship with God. The sharing of this sacrament makes a person an adopted son of the Father. "In fact, when a man becomes a new creature in Christ, his old life has disappeared, everything has become new about him" (II Corinth. 5:17). The sacrament of Baptism is also called "the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit." It is called this because it indicates and brings about the birth of water and the Spirit, for without these, no one can enter the kingdom of God. Baptism is necessary for salvation. It affects the forgiveness of sins and of all punishment due to sin, gives glorifying grace, and presents membership in Christ and in the Church. Therefore, people must be baptized to enter the kingdom of God. The sacrament of Baptism has been agreed upon in the Church since the beginning of the Christian tradition. It has never been rejected by any protest. The only way people could arise doubts would be due to
Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the common practice where the announcement of the Gospel is still new. The catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) therefore takes an important role. Because Baptism is the sacrament of faith, it is the sacrament of light. In the early Church, the same candle that was lit at the Baptism was lit again on the anniversary of the Baptism and on feast days. If the person were married, then the candle would be lit at the wedding. If the person were ordained, the candle would be lit at the ordination. It was also lit when the person died. "Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized." (CIC, can. 864; cf. CCEO, can. 679.) The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest. In case of necessity, any person, even someone not baptized, can baptize, if he has the required intention. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. Water is the substantial sign of Baptism. Water is used for cleansing from dirt or dust; therefore, it may be the symbol of washing from original sin. Water can also symbolize life and
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 776
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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