The Significance of Baptism and Christian Faith

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The Significance of Baptism and Christian Faith

When you read the Bible, it’s hard not to find references to the importance of baptism and Christian faith. But what exactly is the significance of baptism? The New Testament teaches that it’s an important part of Christianity. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter told the crowds how to receive salvation: repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. This baptism, in turn, brings the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then, there’s the story of the Apostle Paul who was led to Christ by Ananias and exhorted to be baptized in Jesus’ name. Then, he called on Christ’s name and received salvation.

The sacraments are particularly powerful means of healing. In the Catechism, Jesus touched the sick in the course of his ministry. The healing power of the sacraments continues today. The Eucharist, for example, provides eternal life through Jesus. In these sacraments, Jesus Christ manifests himself in a special way. These healing sacraments are the means by which Jesus is made present to his followers.

The charismatic faith of Western Christendom has its roots in an imperialist and anti-colonial attitude. The Enlightenment and scientific naturalism had blinded Christian Westerners to the spiritual realm, and had failed to engage it. This required a radical “cosmological” shift. Only then could Christians understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and how the resurrection of the dead would have transformed the world.