IV.

Christian Baptism

Jesus was baptized by John at the beginning of his public ministry (see Mark 1:9-11). Although it is uncertain that Jesus himself baptized, the risen Christ commanded his disciples to preach to and baptize the nations (see Matthew 28:19) as the sign of God's coming rule. Thus, from the outset, baptism became the Christian rite of initiation (see Acts 2:38).

Like the baptism of John, Christian baptism is “for the remission of sins.” Largely under the influence of St. Paul, it came to be understood also as participation in the death and resurrection of Christ (see Romans 6:3-11). It is also the sacramental means by which converts receive the various gifts of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 19:5-6; 1 Corinthians 12). Baptism was often called illumination in the early church. It came to be regarded also as the renunciation of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and as the act of joining the community of the New Covenant.