New Study Release: Mourning into Dancing: We Do Not Grieve as Those Without Hope

Bible Study Guide 4

Baptism

Learn about the Gateway Sacrament

CCC 1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments

Where does the sacrament get its name?

CCC 1214 This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to "plunge" or "immerse"; the "plunge" into the water symbolizes the catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new creature."

It is also called...

CCC 1215 -1216 This sacrament is also called "the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit," for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one "can enter the kingdom of God."

This bath is called enlightenment, because those who receive this [catechetical] instruction are enlightened in their understanding . . . ." Having received in Baptism the Word, "the true light that enlightens every man," the person baptized has been "enlightened," he becomes a "son of light," indeed, he becomes "light" himself

St. Gregory Of Nazianzus

Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.

This Bible & Catechetical Study

Over the 6 sessions of this study, we will answer the following:

What is it called? (answered above)
Why is it mentioned 26 times in the Bible (the New Testament)?
Where does the scriptural concept come from?
How was it prefigured?
What is its nature?
Why is it considered a sacrament?
Is it necessary?
What is it for and what does it do?
How is it done and by whom?
Who can receive Baptism?

Skip to Session

Each session is broken down into approximately 1 hour, if it is desired you can stop in the middle of a session and continue from there the next time.

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