Why Baptism Is Salvific

Baptism is not just something to check off on the “To Do” list of the Christian life. So, what is it and what does it do? How can we understand the mystery of Baptism? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle tackle these questions and encourage believers to share the truth about Baptism.

Snippet from the Show
Baptism is salvific because it communicates the very life of God.

The Grace of Baptism (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 1262-1274)

• Forgiveness of sins
• “A new creature” or adopted child of God
• Incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ
• The sacramental bond of the unity of Christians
• An indelible spiritual mark

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 1274

The Holy Spirit has marked us with the seal of the Lord ("Dominicus character") "for the day of redemption." "Baptism indeed is the seal of eternal life." The faithful Christian who has "kept the seal" until the end, remaining faithful to the demands of his Baptism, will be able to depart this life "marked with the sign of faith," with his baptismal faith, in expectation of the blessed vision of God - the consummation of faith - and in the hope of resurrection.

Ignatius of Antioch to Polycarp

Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge assigned to you, that you may receive a worthy recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, as God is towards you. May I have joy of you for ever!

Practical Takeaway

Spend time in the morning meditating on the importance of the graces of baptism in your own life. Study the graces of the baptism and think about how active they have been in your own life.