Sacraments
Based on the Bible there are seven sacraments Jesus gave to us to help us along our journey in this life. The sacraments are outward signs of God's inner grace which sustains, heals and strengthens us on our journey. Grace is a gift, which God grants to all who strive to be and become Christian in their thoughts, words and actions as we relate to God, self and others in this life. Through the sacraments we receive grace, which helps to strengthen us as we strive to resist temptations and avoid falling through sin as did Adam and Eve. Below is a short description of the Sacrament of Baptism. The other sacraments will be presented over time.
Baptism
I
am inclined to believe sincere Christians consciously and unconsciously daily attempt
to live, lives centered
on the teachings of Jesus Christ. I believe, deep inside the hearts and minds
of sincere Christians lies an intention to act out of love and a personal desire
to grow spiritually. I suggest sincere Christians always and everywhere, daily
intend to model a life of moral integrity and practice charity by sharing with
the less fortunate, the fruits of our labors. Furthermore, I believe sincere Christians
take seriously the responsibility to pray, to seek the wisdom, which comes from
knowledge of the Word of God; and to strive toward a life focused on God's holy
will.
Baptized
Christians usually consider themselves to belong to or to be affiliated with a particular belief
system or religious denomination, i.e. some call themselves Baptist, while
others call themselves Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian,
Catholic, Congregationalist, or Mormon. Still others affiliate with a sect such
as Salvation Army, Church of the Nazarene, Pentecostal Gospel, Jehovah's
Witness or some similar organization. With the exception of the Catholic
Church, founded by Jesus Christ, men and women of faith have started religious denominations,
sects and organizations as church bodies, seeking growth in knowledge and
understanding of God in the hope of leading others to God.
Among
some leaders within these churches, there is a trend today to speak only in
terms of baptized Christian, or Christian rather than terms of affiliation with
a particular denomination, sect or organized church. Some say this is solely
because of "marketing" their belief system in attempts to increase
membership. However, I propose it comes more from the knowledge of Sacred
Scripture, which teaches us, we are all one in Christ. There is a spirit of
unification throughout our world today because of the spirit of cooperation among
many church leaders: men and women leaders who possess the wisdom, found in
their knowledge of Sacred Scripture. These men and women possess a mutual
understanding of a basic truth; God's plan for His people is the salvation of
all.
While
the trend is unity, among Christian followers of Jesus there remain some differences
in belief systems and practices. For instance among these groups, some baptize
infants and young children, some baptize preteens while others baptize based
upon a personal choice, of an individual at any age. There
are among the baptized, some who believe baptism is their punched ticket to eternal
life in heaven. These folks seem to believe being baptized guarantees
salvation. All one needs for salvation is baptism, appears to be a belief and a
teaching, among some organized faith groups, or perhaps, it is only zealous
individuals within some of these groups.
However, I find
many sincere Christians who believe as I do; Baptism alone is not a guarantee
of eternal salvation. We each bear a responsibility to live a life of love for God,
self and others because of being among the baptized. I believe as many believe,
it is the manner in
which, we live our life after Baptism that is our
guarantee for attaining eternal salvation. Baptism alone does not guarantee
the reward of eternal life with God. We hear some who consider themselves evangelizers, asking questions
such as, "Are you born again?" "Have you been baptized?"
"Have you been saved?" It appears these folks believe or seem to
infer all baptized people have fulfilled the requisite for eternal salvation.
Have you been saved is a question most of us would probably hesitate to answer
or perhaps would offer only, "I hope so." I believe these
questions stem from the words of Jesus, "I tell you the truth no one can
enter the Kingdom
of God
We often hear the
above Scripture quoted from the lips of evangelizers seeking to bring souls to
Baptism. However, among these are some who do not seek and search the depths of
these words and the responsibilities, which accompany them. Baptism is not a
free-gift; yes, it is a gift, however with baptism comes the serious
responsibility of acceptance in word and in action the teachings of Jesus. If
we accept His teachings in response to our Baptism, then we have no choice but to
live according to all He taught. The freedom to choose to live according to
those teachings we find convenient to follow is not one of the gifts of
Baptism. Among the gifts of baptism are faith, hope and love each of which
requires active participation as a follower of Jesus on the part of the one
baptized. Salvation comes only through adherence to the teachings of Jesus; Baptism
alone will not accomplish the goal of salvation.
Baptism by water
and the Spirit includes the words of Baptism, which call upon God the Father,
God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. One method of baptism is pouring water on
the head of the person while saying the words, "I baptize you in the name
of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Another is the practice
of immersion symbolizing dying to sin and rising to new life in a very
realistic manner. While immersed in water, the minister of Baptism says the
words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit" over the immersed person.
The symbols of
water and word reveal the action of the Spirit as sanctifying grace replaces
original sin and all other sin. The newly
baptized Christian bears a responsibility to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ
henceforth and forever. The gift of sanctifying grace places the person in a state of holiness, the state of being
free of original sin and all other sin. It is this spiritual rebirth together
with a lived-life of holiness, which will lead a baptized Christian to eternal
salvation.
Saint John the Baptist said, "I baptize with water, for repentance. After me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Matt.3:11 Matthew is telling us in the Scripture it is necessary to repent, and accept the purification of the Spirit in baptism, or suffer the fire of His judgment later. Baptism is indeed a requirement for eternal salvation because Jesus Himself told us, baptism of water and the Spirit is necessary for salvation. Yet, in His merciful love and overwhelming desire for all of us to one day return to Him, additional forms of Baptism are sufficient for salvation.
We seldom hear about Baptism of desire and Baptism of blood, two forms of baptism, which do occur, especially in those areas of the world where missionaries have worked or are working, to build up the Body of Christ. These beliefs found in the Catholic belief system are also common within some other Christian belief systems. Baptism of desire occurs in the instance of a person who has heard about Jesus, believes in God and all Jesus taught and desires baptism, however sudden death or interference of others prevents his or her physical baptism prior to death. Baptism of blood occurs in the case of one who believes in God, knows Jesus and His teachings, and desires baptism. This person is a victim of sudden death, at the hands of another because he or she refuses to deny the existence of God.
Saint John the Baptist said, "I baptize with water, for repentance. After me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Matt.3:11 Matthew is telling us in the Scripture it is necessary to repent, and accept the purification of the Spirit in baptism, or suffer the fire of His judgment later. Baptism is indeed a requirement for eternal salvation because Jesus Himself told us, baptism of water and the Spirit is necessary for salvation. Yet, in His merciful love and overwhelming desire for all of us to one day return to Him, additional forms of Baptism are sufficient for salvation.
We seldom hear about Baptism of desire and Baptism of blood, two forms of baptism, which do occur, especially in those areas of the world where missionaries have worked or are working, to build up the Body of Christ. These beliefs found in the Catholic belief system are also common within some other Christian belief systems. Baptism of desire occurs in the instance of a person who has heard about Jesus, believes in God and all Jesus taught and desires baptism, however sudden death or interference of others prevents his or her physical baptism prior to death. Baptism of blood occurs in the case of one who believes in God, knows Jesus and His teachings, and desires baptism. This person is a victim of sudden death, at the hands of another because he or she refuses to deny the existence of God.
Catholics and
some other Christians accept these forms of baptism of desire and baptism of blood
to have the same effect upon the soul as baptism of water and the Spirit. I am
among those who believe this to be true. I am convinced God in His omnipotent
love would not deny heaven to a person whose circumstances prevented the Baptism
of water and Spirit, which he or she truly desired. Likewise, in the
event of the sudden death of an infant or non-baptized child some belief
systems teach, the preexisting desire of the parents to have their child
baptized is equivalent to true baptism accompanied by personal desire. I am
inclined to believe God in His infinite mercy and love God takes the infant or
child into His arms welcoming him or her to the Heavenly Kingdom
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation is a sacrament Catholics consider part B of
Baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism for the majority of Catholics takes
place when one is an infant. An infant or very young child who receives
Baptism because it is the desire of the parents not because the infant or
child chooses to receive the sacrament. This is why Catholics baptized
as infants are often referred to as Cradle Catholics.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is in reality a part of the Sacrament of
Baptism. The Sacrament of Confirmation baptized Catholics confirm their
commitment to the Catholic Church. The Catholic who accepts this
sacrament promises to be faithful to the practice of Catholicism. In the
sacrament of Confirmation a Catholic professes his or her commitment
to the Catholic belief system practiced by Catholics for over 2000 years.
Through the sacrament of Confirmation a Catholic receives special gifts
or graces, which help to strengthen and sustain them in their commitment
to live a Catholic Christian way of life. Confirmation is completes Baptism
and through this sacrament a Catholic promises to live in accordance
with the promises made by his or her parents and godparents at the time
of Baptism.
In other words, Baptism is part A of our commitment to Christ who is the
Way, the Truth and the Light and Confirmation is part B of this commitment
to Christ. In Confirmation we confirm the promise made by our parents
and godparents and choose to be a faithful follower of Christ the light of
the world.
The anointing of the Oil of Salvation is and outward of the coming of the
Holy Spirit who gifts us with twelve special gifts sometimes called fruits.
These special gifts are virtues of peace, patience, joy, modesty, chastity,
charity, kindness, goodness, moderation, tolerance, graciousness and
faith. These special gifts are virtues, which if we integrate them into our
lives by daily practice can mean the difference between a life lived in
harmony with self and others or a life lived in chaos, disappointment,
sadness and in some cases evilness.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit given to those who accept the Sacrament
of Confirmation are a confirmation of God's abiding love and a promise
to provide for us all the days of our life. Living the Christian life is not
such a difficult task when we really live the Christian way of life by
practicing the virtues obtained through Confirmation.
The gifts of the Sacrament of Baptism are wisdom, understanding,
counsel, courage, knowledge, reverence/piety and fear of the Lord or
filial love. Catholics fortified with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given
through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation have the armor
they need for protection from non-christian behavior and yet how
often we fail to live up to our commitment to live a Christ centered
life.
We have everything we need for salvation but God cannot save us
without our help. Unless we live our lives as people committed to living
as faithful Christians in justice, harmony and peace our salvation is
at stake.
Pope Benedict XV just released his latest encyclical Caritas in
Veritate/Love in Truth and this document is a model of what being
Christian is all about. Being Catholic and being Christian is far from
easy in today's world but if we seek Truth we can and will survive not
only the present day economic crisis and any other challenges, which
come our way.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the sacrament, in which we affirm
we will live the truth as we strive daily to follow Christ who is the way,
the truth and light.
Baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism for the majority of Catholics takes
place when one is an infant. An infant or very young child who receives
Baptism because it is the desire of the parents not because the infant or
child chooses to receive the sacrament. This is why Catholics baptized
as infants are often referred to as Cradle Catholics.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is in reality a part of the Sacrament of
Baptism. The Sacrament of Confirmation baptized Catholics confirm their
commitment to the Catholic Church. The Catholic who accepts this
sacrament promises to be faithful to the practice of Catholicism. In the
sacrament of Confirmation a Catholic professes his or her commitment
to the Catholic belief system practiced by Catholics for over 2000 years.
Through the sacrament of Confirmation a Catholic receives special gifts
or graces, which help to strengthen and sustain them in their commitment
to live a Catholic Christian way of life. Confirmation is completes Baptism
and through this sacrament a Catholic promises to live in accordance
with the promises made by his or her parents and godparents at the time
of Baptism.
In other words, Baptism is part A of our commitment to Christ who is the
Way, the Truth and the Light and Confirmation is part B of this commitment
to Christ. In Confirmation we confirm the promise made by our parents
and godparents and choose to be a faithful follower of Christ the light of
the world.
The anointing of the Oil of Salvation is and outward of the coming of the
Holy Spirit who gifts us with twelve special gifts sometimes called fruits.
These special gifts are virtues of peace, patience, joy, modesty, chastity,
charity, kindness, goodness, moderation, tolerance, graciousness and
faith. These special gifts are virtues, which if we integrate them into our
lives by daily practice can mean the difference between a life lived in
harmony with self and others or a life lived in chaos, disappointment,
sadness and in some cases evilness.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit given to those who accept the Sacrament
of Confirmation are a confirmation of God's abiding love and a promise
to provide for us all the days of our life. Living the Christian life is not
such a difficult task when we really live the Christian way of life by
practicing the virtues obtained through Confirmation.
The gifts of the Sacrament of Baptism are wisdom, understanding,
counsel, courage, knowledge, reverence/piety and fear of the Lord or
filial love. Catholics fortified with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given
through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation have the armor
they need for protection from non-christian behavior and yet how
often we fail to live up to our commitment to live a Christ centered
life.
We have everything we need for salvation but God cannot save us
without our help. Unless we live our lives as people committed to living
as faithful Christians in justice, harmony and peace our salvation is
at stake.
Pope Benedict XV just released his latest encyclical Caritas in
Veritate/Love in Truth and this document is a model of what being
Christian is all about. Being Catholic and being Christian is far from
easy in today's world but if we seek Truth we can and will survive not
only the present day economic crisis and any other challenges, which
come our way.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the sacrament, in which we affirm
we will live the truth as we strive daily to follow Christ who is the way,
the truth and light.
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