We begin our exploration of Sacramental Theology with the entry into the divine life through Baptism. What is Baptism? What does it do? Why are infants baptized? What does Noah’s Ark, the Red Sea and crossing of the Jordan have to do with Baptism? What kind of water is required? Can any Catholic baptize? What is an Aspergillum? We will answer ALL your questions surrounding Baptism. And finally, you’ll learn what the following means:
Aspereges me, Domine hyssopo et mundabor; lavabis me et super nivem dealabor.
We will examine a number of texts from prefiguration of Baptism to its necessity for Salvation.
Consider:
I. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
II. Scripture References
A. Prefigurations in the Old Testament
Genesis 1:2 – The Spirit hovers over the waters: water as the source of life.
Genesis 7–9 (Noah’s Ark) – The flood prefigures salvation through water (cf. 1 Peter 3:20–21).
Exodus 14:21–29 – The crossing of the Red Sea as liberation from slavery through water.
Joshua 3:14–17 – Crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land, symbolizing entry into new life.
Ezekiel 36:25–27 – “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean… I will give you a new heart.”
B. Institution and Command of Christ
Matthew 3:13–17 – Christ Himself is baptized by John, sanctifying the waters.
John 3:3–5 – “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…”
Mark 16:16 – “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
C. Apostolic Preaching and Practice
Acts 2:38–41 – Peter: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.”
Acts 8:12–13, 36–38 – The baptism of the Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Acts 9:18 – Paul’s baptism following his conversion.
Romans 6:3–5 – “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death…”
1 Corinthians 12:13 – “By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.”
Galatians 3:27 – “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Ephesians 4:4–6 – “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
Colossians 2:12–13 – “Buried with Him in baptism… raised with Him through faith.”
Titus 3:5 – “He saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit.”
1 Peter 3:20–21 – “Baptism… now saves you.”
III. Magisterial and Encyclical Teaching
1. Councils and Decrees
Council of Trent (Session VII, 1547) – Decree on the Sacraments in General and Decree on Baptism
Canon 1: Condemns denial of Baptism as necessary for salvation.
Canon 2: Affirms that true and natural water is required.
Canon 5: Denounces rebaptism.
Canon 13: Upholds infant baptism.
Fourth Lateran Council (1215) – “There is one baptism which regenerates all who receive it rightly.”
Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium §6 & Lumen Gentium §11 – Emphasize Baptism as incorporation into the Mystical Body and participation in the priesthood of Christ.
2. Papal Encyclicals and Teachings
Pius XII, Mystici Corporis Christi (1943) – Baptism as the sacramental bond uniting the faithful to the Mystical Body of Christ (§22–25).
John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio (1990) – Stresses Baptism’s missionary dimension: the baptized share in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and kingly office (§47).
John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae (1979) – Baptism as the foundation of catechesis (§23).
Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis (2007) – Baptism as prerequisite for Eucharistic communion (§17).
Francis, Lumen Fidei (2013) – Faith and Baptism as inseparably linked (§41–44).
3. Other Magisterial Documents
Roman Catechism (Catechism of the Council of Trent) – Part II, “On the Sacrament of Baptism”: an authoritative pre-modern exposition detailing matter, form, minister, necessity, and effects.
Baltimore Catechism – Q. 631–648: classic concise teaching on the purpose and effects of Baptism.