The Graces of Baptism
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Two Main Effects (1262)
The immersion in water signifies Baptism's two main effects - purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit. Peter promised his hearers (on Pentecost) that by Baptism they would receive "forgiveness for your sins" and "the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
Forgiving Sin/Removing Punishment (1263)
Baptism forgives all sins (original and personal) and all punishment for sin (Council of Florence). Nothing remains to impede entrance into heaven.
Consequences Remain (1264)
Some consequences of sin (sickness, death, weakness of character) remain. There is also an inclination to sin called concupiscence with which we struggle. However, this inclination does no harm if resisted by Christ's grace (Council of Trent).
Effects of Baptism (1265-1266)
Baptism makes the believer an adopted child of God, a sharer in God's nature, a co-heir with Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
By sanctifying grace (the grace of justification), the baptized:
- Are enabled to believe in God, hope in him, and love him (theological virtues)
- Can live according to the power of the Holy Spirit (the sanctifying gifts)
- Can grow in goodness (the moral virtues)
Baptism bestows the whole organism of the supernatural life.
Joined with Others (1267-1268)
By Baptism "we are members one of another" (Eph 4:25). This Body of Christ transcends all cultures, because "by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body" (1 Cor 12:13).
The baptized have become "living stones." They are a royal nation, a holy priesthood, God's own people (1 Pet 2:9) sharing in the common priesthood of all believers.
Duties of Baptized (1269-1270)
The baptized belong to Christ and have the duty to serve others in the Church and to obey Church leaders. They have a right to the sacraments, to the nourishment of God's Word, and to all the Church's spiritual helps. They must participate in the Church's missionary activity.
One with All the Baptized (1271)
Baptism is the sacramental bond of unity (even for those not in full communion with the Catholic Church). By faith and Baptism, all "are incorporated into Christ, have a right to be called Christians and to be accepted as brothers" (Second Vatican Council).
Effects of Baptismal Seal (1272-1273)
Baptism seals the Christian with an indelible spiritual mark (the "character of Baptism") which sin cannot erase. Therefore, Baptism cannot be repeated.
This sacramental seal consecrates the person for Christian religious worship and requires them to participate in the Church's liturgy and to bear witness by their holy lives.
Sealed Forever (1274)
This "seal of the Lord" is for "the day of redemption." The Christian who is faithful to this seal will die "marked for eternal life" with hope in seeing God. "Baptism is the seal of eternal life" (St. Irenaeus).
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