A Proper Understanding of Baptism – Part II

Catholic Apologetics #66

(Read Part 1: A Proper Understanding of Baptism)

Why Was Christ Baptized by St. John?

We find in Christ’s Baptism a two-fold purpose. He clearly did not need to receive forgiveness of sins because He is God Himself and cannot sin. But He chose to undergo the ritual first for our own edification so that we might follow His example, and secondly so that He might in a sense give the waters of Baptism their power: “The Lord was baptized, not to be cleansed Himself but to cleanse the waters, so that those waters, cleansed by the flesh of Christ which knew no sin, might have the power of Baptism. Whoever comes, therefore, to the washing of Christ lays aside his sins” (St. Ambrose).

Immersion Is Unnecessary

Baptism by immersion is unnecessary for salvation. For around 12 centuries, immersion was the common form practiced in the Catholic Church. However, St. Thomas Aquinas, who lived in the 13th Century, states, “Baptism can be conferred by sprinkling and also by pouring.” Tertullian, who was born c. 160 AD, said that Baptism is a “sprinkling with any kind of water” (De Bapt., Ch. 6). The Didache (The Teaching of the Apostles) holds that baptismal water may be poured when there is not enough water for immersion. St. Thomas Aquinas also states that the three thousand converts baptized by St. Peter on the first Pentecost were most likely not baptized by immersion; there was not enough water in Jerusalem at the time. He also says that it is highly unlikely that the jailer baptized in the prison at Philippi or the Gentiles in the home of Cornelius were immersed in water.

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

Yes, the Council of Trent states that Baptism is necessary for salvation. “Canon 5. If anyone says that baptism is optional, that is, not necessary for salvation, let him be anathema.” (Canons on Baptism, Session VII, Council of Trent)

Infant Baptism

The Church has always taught that the Sacrament of Baptism can and should be conferred on children. In Baptism we are “born again”; it is the start of the life that continues in the next. Since Baptism is the start of life, a child should be baptized as soon as possible that they might have a share in divine sonship. As Jesus says, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14).

In the Gospel Jesus instructs us to go forth and baptize the whole world – not just adults. St. Paul baptized whole families and it is most likely there was at least one child in those families (Acts 16:15; 1 Cor. 1:16). The Third Council of Carthage (253 AD) with St. Cyprian taught that infants should be baptized as soon as possible after birth. The Council of Milevis in 416 AD taught the necessity of baptism for infants. This same position has been reaffirmed at the Fourth Lateran Council as well as the Councils of Vienne, Florence, and Trent.

One of the most profound truths protected by the practice of infant baptism is the absolute gratuity of God’s grace. God bestows His sanctifying grace upon man freely and not because of anything man has done to “deserve” it. A newborn clearly cannot perform good works that make him worthy, or deserving, of this supernatural gift. A baby can’t even request the grace of baptism, let alone make a conscious decision to ‘accept Jesus as His Savior.’ Nevertheless, a baby’s soul can indeed be transformed by God’s grace. A baby can die with Christ and rise to new life in Him.

Are Non-Catholic Baptisms Valid?

The Church may accept the validity of most Protestant baptisms, since a validly ordained minister is not required for this particular Sacrament, so long as those baptisms use the proper matter, form, and intention. For this reason, the alleged baptisms of certain groups like the Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses are not valid for lack of proper words and proper intention. The issue with Protestant baptisms for other sects is whether the baptizer had the right intention. Due to many Protestants having erroneous conceptions on original sin and the role of Baptism, doubt may exist on the validity of such baptisms. Anyone seeking to convert who was baptized in a Protestant denomination should consult with a priest to determine if they need to be conditionally baptized.[1]

Pray for the Unbaptized

Pray for all the souls who are in this world now who are not yet baptized. Ask yourself if there is anything you can do to help encourage any one of them to receive this first and most necessary Sacrament. 


[1] Prior to Vatican II, it was standard parish procedure that a priest would conditionally baptize any Protestant who entered the Catholic Church. Because there are so many thousands of different Protestant sects, and few follow formal prescribed rituals, then in the particular case of a specific individual, it can be very difficult to determine what matter and form were used in the Protestant baptism, and nearly impossible to know if the Protestant minister had the intention to do what the Church intends. Thus, conditional baptism was judged to be the most prudent pastoral practice. On account of the modern ecumenical push, most parish priests today ignore this long-standing practice. Yet some have questioned if this is wise or if it is even in the best interests for the salvation of souls.

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