Histor y of Salvation

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified

Events Pr efiguring Baptism (12171222) The Easter Vigil liturgy commemorates the saving events which prefigured Baptism: 1. In the beginning, the Spirit breathed on the water "making them a wellspring of all holiness." 2. Noah's ark prefigured salvation through Baptism. The flood waters are "a sign of the waters of Baptism."

4. The Israelites crossing the Red Sea prefigured liberation. This freeing action is "an image of the people set free in Baptism." 5. The Israelites' crossing the Jordan and receiving the Promised Land also

Fulfilled in Jesus (1223)

These prefigurations are fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus was baptized by John and, after his Resurrection, he commanded the apostles to "make disciples of all nations" and to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19-20).

 Jesus submitted to John's Baptism to "fulfill all righteousness" (Mt 3:15). At this moment, the Spirit (present over the waters at the first creation) came upon Christ (the new creation), and the Father revealed that he was his

John's Baptism (1224)

 Jesus spoke of his Passion as a "Baptism" which he had to receive (Mk 10:38). The water and blood flowing from his side symbolized Baptism and Eucharist. After Jesus' death, men could "be born of water and the Spirit" (Jn 3:5). "See where Baptism comes from... from the cross of Christ, from his death"

T he Cross (1225)

Baptizing after Pentecost (1226)

On Pentecost day, Peter told the crowd "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). After Pentecost, the apostles provided Baptism for anyone who believed in Jesus (Jews, Godfearers, and pagans). Paul told the jailer in Philippi that he and his household would be saved if he believed in the Lord Jesus. At once the

Entering Christ's Death (1227-1228)

Paul teaches that the believer, through Baptism, enters into Christ's death, burial and Resurrection, "so that as Christ was raised from the dead... we too might walk in newness of life" (Rom 6:3-4). In Baptism, the imperishable seed of God's Word produces life-giving effects. "The Word is brought to