What does baptism mean to you

He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow. An act of obedience: Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. A public declaration: Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for Christian life.

Whoever believes and is baptised is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive — right along with Christ! Think of it! A brand-new life: It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.

Baptism is a symbol. No, of course not. Imagine that I really was married, though. No way, of course I would still be married. Similarly, I can be a believer in Christ, but not baptised, and my sins are still paid for and forgiven by God.

But imagine that I truly was married and I really, really loved my husband. Would I wear my wedding ring? We are now made righteous by God and live in a state of grace, that is, we live in union with God because of his gracious and loving initiative.

God continues to assist us by many helps that are called actual graces. Thus, we have the ability to live and act under the guidance and light of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This helps us mature in goodness through the practice of virtues, such as the Cardinal Virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude.

By Baptism we become members of the Church, the Body of Christ. We share in the priesthood of Christ as well as his prophetic and royal mission. We enjoy the community we find in the Church, share our talents and gifts with its members, respond willingly to its teachings and requirements, and assume the responsibilities that our membership implies.

Baptism provides a common foundation among all Christians, including those not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church.

The Church recognizes the validity of Baptism in other Christian Churches as long as the rite involved the pouring of or immersion in water, a Trinitarian formula, and the intention to baptize. Those who have been baptized have been saved by their faith in Christ and the grace of Baptism. Where did it come from? Why do we do it? Why do we do it the way we do it? Do I need to be baptized? How do I do it?