The Sacrament of Baptism.
Naturally, the first sacrament to discuss is that of baptism, (from the Greek and meaning to be plunged or immersed in water). Baptism is the sacrament most associated with entry into the Christian faith. Nevertheless, its origins may be found in the Jewish ritual known as “tevilah”, which is based upon the priestly rituals in Leviticus. Specifically, these rituals were used for the purpose of spiritual cleansing. This was considered necessary before one could sacrifice in the Temple. This cleansing was also considered a form of repentance and it is in this vein that John the Baptist would baptize. Repentance was necessary for the forgiveness of past sins, but even John the Baptist understood that this was insufficient and that the One who was to come after John would “baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11).
As mentioned earlier, baptism is a sacrament of initiation. The theologian and author, Tertullian observed that much like the oath taken by a soldier, which begins the soldier’s life in the military, so too the sacrament of baptism initiates the Christian into the mystical body of Christ, which is the Catholic Church. Moreover, it is in baptism that we are cleansed from original sin, thereby reinstating our status as adopted children of God and heirs of heaven, a status lost at the Fall.
The basis for baptism as it relates to salvation is most clearly articulated in the Gospel of John. In John 3:3, we read, “Unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. To be “born anew” is to die to the flesh, which is infected with original sin, and be born into the spirit, the effect of which is to restore the grace lost by original sin. So while baptism is often defined negatively by stating that it takes away sin, it should also be understood positively, by restoring the Grace that was lost by original sin. From this, it becomes clear that the cleansing of original sin makes baptism necessary for salvation since original sin would act as a barrier to entry into heaven.
Finally, the mention of the word baptism often conjures up the image of a priest pouring water from a baptismal font on to the head of a baby. However, the Catholic Church distinguishes between three types of baptism. The first is the most common, that of baptism by water. The second type of baptism is that of the baptism of martyrdom. This is a baptism of one who dies for the faith before he has had a chance to be baptized by water. The third type of baptism is the baptism of desire. This is a baptism of an individual who expresses a sincere desire to be baptized but dies before he is provided with an opportunity to be baptized by water.
