Baptism

Baptism is one of the sacraments of initiation. The other two sacraments are Confirmation and the Eucharist. Baptism is the primary sacrament by which one becomes a member of the Christian community.

Catholics believe that through baptism all sin, original and actual, is wiped away.  The life of God, sanctifying grace, is infused into the soul, and a person is born again of water and the Holy Spirit. Catholics also believe that Jesus made baptism a condition for entering heaven. The reason why Catholics believe this way is found in John 3: 5.  In verse 5 Jesus said, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”  Catholics believe this statement means that water is necessary and a person receives the Holy Spirit in Baptism.  Other Bible passages are Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, and 1 Peter 3:20-21.