Baptism: Gr. 2 - Gr. 5

Lesson Objectives:

Purpose of Baptism

Cleansing from sin: Baptism helps wash away the bad things we do (called "sin") and makes us closer to God.
Joining the Church: When we get baptized, we become a part of God’s family, the Church, and start a new life with Him.
Access to Heaven: Baptism is a way we get ready for heaven and eternal life with God.

Why Baptism is Important

Baptism is like a starting point for our life with God.
It helps us join in the other good things (sacraments) that help us grow as Christians.
Jesus made baptism important. After He rose from the dead, He told His followers to baptize people from all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism and Salvation

Jesus said that we need baptism to be saved and to live with God forever (Mark 16:16).
Baptism is about being born again, just like how Jesus died and rose again (Romans 6:3-4).
Through baptism, we are connected to Jesus' death and resurrection, which brings us new life!

Symbols of Baptism in the Bible

The Flood in Noah’s Time: The flood in Noah’s time is like a symbol of baptism. The water helped save Noah and his family (Genesis 1:2).
The Red Sea: When Moses led the people through the Red Sea, it symbolized how God helps us go from bad to good (Exodus 14).

How Baptism is Done

Immersion in Water: Baptism is done by immersing in water, just like when Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan (Mark 1:9). Immersion means being fully dipped in the water, not just sprinkled.
Infant Baptism: Babies are baptized too! Just like babies were part of the old covenant with God (through circumcision), they are now part of the new covenant through baptism. Everyone, no matter their age, needs baptism (Acts 2:38-39).

The Steps in the Baptism Ceremony

Blessing the Water: The priest blesses the water with prayers to make it holy and powerful, just like how water in the Bible helped save people.
The Godparent’s Role: The godparent (the person who promises to help raise the child in the faith)
Renouncing Satan: The godparent says “no” to evil (Satan) and “yes” to God. This shows the choice to live with God.
The Holy Oil: The priest anoints the baby with holy oil, which represents being part of God’s family and receiving strength from Him.
Immersion in Water: The baby is baptized by being dipped three times in water, which represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
New Clothes: After baptism, the baby is dressed in a new white garment, symbolizing a fresh start and being pure and new in Christ.
The Crown and Red Ribbon: A crown is placed on the baby’s head to show that they belong to God’s kingdom. A red ribbon is tied around the baby to remind us of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for us.

After Baptism