January 7, 2024, 12:00 PM

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states, “Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for the Sacrament. The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude.” (CCC 1257). Our Catholic Faith is based on Sacred Scripture and Tradition. There are several key Biblical references that support the Church’s teaching on the necessity of Baptism. After telling His disciples to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized, will be saved” (Mark 16:16). He also tells His disciples to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Why would Jesus insist that they baptize people if was unnecessary? Jesus also says, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). When asked about salvation, St. Peter says, “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38) and when referring to the waters of the great flood in Noah’s time, St. Peter says, “This prefigured baptism, which saves you now” (1 Peter 3:21). Remember, during the Sacrament of Marriage the couple promises to raise their children in the Faith. This includes deciding to have the infant baptized, not waiting for the child to make that critical decision. To gain a deeper understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism, read CCC 1213-1284, and a to gain a deeper understanding of the necessity of Baptism, read CCC 1257-1261. Now you know!