Water baptism = born again

[Paladin D]

Just a quick question, can't believe I'm asking this.

[StColette]

yes through our baptism of water we are born again, as babies our Godparents are those that step forward and insure that we will be committed to the Church and that we will grow in the faith of the Church.

Jn:3:5:
5 Jesus answered: Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (DRV)

[franciscanheart]

^^ what she said ^^

[StColette]

hehe just to add on about infant baptism

The godparents also serve as a testimony to the child's faith. That they will take it upon themselves to ensure that the child will be brought up in the Church.

Biblical invidence that Baptism includes infants

Acts 2:38 - Peter says to the multitude, "Repent and be baptized.." Protestants use this verse to prove one must be a believer (not an infant) to be baptized. But the Greek translation literally says, "If you repent, then each one who is a part of you and yours must each be baptized." This is confirmed in the next verse.

Acts 2:39 - Peter then says baptism is specifically given to children as well as adults. God's covenant family includes children. The word "children" that Peter used comes from the Greek word "teknon" which also includes infants.

Biblical Examples of baptism of households which included children

Acts 16:15 - Paul baptized Lydia and her entire household. The word "household" comes from the Greek word "oikos" which is a household that includes infants and children.

Acts 16:33 - Paul baptized the jailer (an adult) and his entire household (which had to include children). Baptism is never limited to adults and those of the age of reason.

1 Cor. 1:16 - Paul baptized the household ("oikos") of Stephanus. Baptism is not limited to adults.

Baptism and healing based on another's faith

Acts 16:15 - further, Paul baptizes the household based on Lydia's faith, not the faith of the members of the household. This demonstrates that parents can present their children for baptism based on the parents' faith, not the children's faith.

Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 6-10 - the servant is healed based upon the centurion's faith. This is another example of healing based on another's faith.

Mark 9:22-25 - Jesus exercises the child's unclean spirit based on the father's faith. This healing is again based on another's faith.

Joshua 5:2-7 - God punished Israel because the people had not circumcised their children. This was based on the parent's faith. The parents play a critical role in their child's salvation.

[Paladin D]

Thanks, this may be also another dumb question but...

How would one talk to a non-Catholic when he/she says [b]"What happens when they leave the Church when they get older, are they still born again?"[/b]

[StColette]

Once you are baptised into the Church you are forever baptised into the Church. If they chose to leave the Church which is the True Church and the One Church, they are still baptised into Christ and the Church. If they have knowledge that the Catholic Church is the One True Church of God and they still leave the Church they are committing a serious sin. But again once you are baptised you are baptised.

Edited October 15, 2004 by StColette