Catholic Position

¶1257
The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation…The
Church does not know of any means other thanBaptism that assures entry
into eternal beatitude;

¶1212
The faithful are born anew by Baptism

¶1212
Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we
become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church

¶1265
Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte “a
new creature,” an adopted son of God, who has become a “partaker of the
divine nature,” member of Christ and co-heir with him, and a temple of
the Holy Spirit.

¶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.”

Scripture Says

John 1:12

12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become
the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name:

Ephesians 1:7

7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness
of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

1 Corinthians 1:17

17 ¶  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:

Matthew 3:2,6

2  Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

6  …baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Acts 8:36-37

36  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water:
and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be
baptized?

37  And Philip said, If thou
believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and
said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Acts 16:30-33

30  And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be
saved?

31  And they said, Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32  And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that
were in his house.

33  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their
stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Commentary

• Is baptism necessary for salvation?