I Will Build My Church

Establishment of The Church in Scripture Study

    I would like to present to you here some of the scripture that concerns the topic of The establishment of Christ's Church. After reading this study, go back to your bible and read the passages again. I am using the English Standard Version as well as my Ignatius RSV Study Bible for this article. Also note that the CCC or Catechism of The Catholic Church is also referenced. The links will be provided.

Let's begin!

"Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” "Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19)

Jesus asks his disciples "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" Notice that "they" (the disciples) answer first, although giving incorrect answers. Then Jesus turns to "them" (specifically the 12 Apostles) saying, "But who do you say that I am?” When only Peter answers, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Notice that here and in many other instances Peter is shown speaking for the twelve and even more specifically the whole Church or all Christians. Jesus makes it know that Peters correct answer has been given by God. This passage clearly indicates Peter's capacity to make infallible teaching on behalf of the whole Church and the leaders of that Church, the twelve Apostles.

Therefore Christ says, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this

rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 

Christ establishes his physical Church here on earth on Peter as his first representative (Deputy or Vicar) and the Apostles.

By Paul Rubens

Remember: Everything Christ did and is, was both physical as well as spiritual. He is both God and Man. (John chapter 1 clearly explains this spiritualness and physicalness of Christ's entire existence) He was born (physical), but conceived of the Holy Spirit (spiritual.) When he healed (spiritual) blind man he used mud (physical) and had the man wash. He could have just healed him with his power alone, but he chose as he always did and does to use matter. When he offered us forgiveness of sins and the hope of heaven, he was physically beaten, spit on and brutally killed in order for redemption to take place!

Likewise, when our Lord founded his Church it was to be a physical reality of his spiritual Church in heaven. In heaven there is Christ resurrected in Glory seated at the right hand of God The Father, and all the Saint's or God's children and members of his Church. On earth there is Peter (Pope or head Bishop) Christ's deputy or Vicar and the Apostles serving as fathers (Bishops, priests and deacons) over God's children who are members of his Church. In heaven like I already said, we have Christ's Glorified body!

Likewise, here on earth we have Jesus Christ truly present, and glorified, body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the Eucharist! For further study on the Eucharist in Scripture click here. And these are just a few examples. Even we as human beings are both spiritual and physical beings, because we have both a body and spiritual soul. This is precisely why Christ's Church is both spiritual as well as physical, in order to supply us with what we need for the sanctification of both our body and soul.

No one in the Church takes the place of Christ he is The head and founder of the Church. But, while he reigns from heaven through his Church here on earth he has appointed those by way of Apostolic Succession to feed his flock. (John 21-15-17)

Divine Protection

This Church which Christ states will be protected from the "gates of hell," will also, through Peter whom Jesus gives, "the keys of the kingdom of heaven," will have the authority of binding and loosing.

"The keys are a symbol of teaching authority (Lk 11:52). Jesus consecrates Peter as the Church's chief teacher, whose office will continue on through successors. The plural use of keys may imply a connection with the "gates" in (Matt 16:18) and mean that Peter's position includes, among other things, the authority to release the righteous souls who are detained in Hades but destined for heaven.

In the OT Davidic empire, the king appointed a cabinet of ministers for specific tasks in the kingdom (1 Kings 4:1-6; 2 Kings 18:37). Of these, a prime minister was elevated to unique status of authority, ranking second only to the king. This government structure was common among kingdoms in the ancient Near East (cf. Gen 41:39-43; Esther 3:1-2). Jesus here evokes (Is 22:15-25), where the prime minister's office is handed on to a successor by the symbolic act of handing on the "key of the house [i.e., kingdom] of David" (Is 22:22).

In Matthew, Jesus is the new Davidic king, who appoints Peter the prime minister over the kingdom of heaven in the Church. As in (Is 22), Peter's position is designed for him and his successors; the office is meant to endure as long as the kingdom itself. Entrusted with the keys, Peter wields Christ's own royal authority (cf. Rev 1:18; 3:7).

Whatever you bind and loose: Familiar language in early Jewish literature. The metaphor carries several connotations: (1) It signifies teaching authority and the ability to render binding decisions. Rabbis were said to make "binding" interpretations of the Law. (2) It denotes authority to include or exclude members of a religious community. (3) It signals the forgiveness of sins (Tg Neof in Gen 4:7). The verb loose is used this way in (Rev 1:5 translated "freed") and by the early Church Fathers (cf. Jn 20:23). Peter is thus invested with Christ's authority as the kingdom's chief teacher and administrator; through him heaven governs the Church on earth (cf. Jn 21:15-17; 1 Tim 3:15; CCC 553, 1445)." (The Ignatius RSV study bible New Testament)


More on Binding and Loosing...

We see this again in Christ's church in Matthew. Speaking to the Apostles specifically, "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt 18:17-18) 

"Matthew 18:17 the Church: Mentioned only here and in (Matt 16:18) in the Gospels. Whereas (Matt 16:18) envisions Peter's authority over the universal Church, this verse (18:17) pertains to a local congregation of Christians. Gentile . . . tax collector: Two groups generally despised by first-century Jews. The choice of these terms suggest that Jesus requires a policy of non-association with those who are disciplined by leaders of the Church (cf. 1 Cor 5:9-13; 2 Cor 6:14-15).

Matthew 18:18 whatever you bind . . . loose: In (Matt 16:19), Peter was invested with Christ's authority as the visible head of the Church. A derivative—but subordinate—authority is given also to the apostles as royal ministers in the kingdom. Jesus' authority in this context is related to Church discipline; by extension, it is also a sacramental authority to forgive sins (cf. Jn 20:23; CCC 553, 1444)." (The Ignatius RSV study bible New Testament)

Later in Matthew, "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)

Using the authority that has been given to the Apostles by Christ he then commands them to "make disciples" by "baptizing" in the Trinitarian name. Jesus promises that he would be with "them" (the Apostles) until the end! Christ's church will last until he comes again. Peter, the Apostles and those who succeed them will also have this authority, guidance and protection. Note: Obviously Jesus knows that the Apostles themselves will not live on earth forever. This is why he said, "teaching them" (future disciples and leaders in the Church) "to observe all that I have commanded you," the "you" being the Apostles. We see this same transmission throughout the bible in various places.

"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men a who will be able to teach others also." (2 Tim 2:2) 

Baptism or Else...

"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
(Mark 16:15-16)

Jesus like in (Matthew 28:18-20) gives the Apostles (The Church) a command to go preach and baptize. He stresses the importance of believing (a spiritual act) and being baptized (a physical act.) "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

He does this through the Sacraments thanks be to God!

Authoritative Church and The Holy Spirit

Speaking to the seventy-two laborers Jesus sent out he says, “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” (Luke 10:16) Keep in mind that these laborers are ones whom have been taught correct doctrine handed down to them by Christ.

"He who hears you hears me: The messengers of Jesus carry his authority wherever they go. To reject them is to reject both the Father and the Son (Jn 12:48-49; 13:20). Jesus confers an even greater share of his royal, priestly, and prophetic authority upon the apostles before his Ascension (Mt 28:18-20) (CCC 87, 858)." (The Ignatius RSV study bible New Testament)

Matthew 28:18-20 quoted above...

Speaking to the Apostles and therefore to the members of The Church.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."  (John 14:15-26)

Our Lord confirms that his Church will be guided by The Holy Spirit and that the world in general will not have him or be guided by him. But, those of his Church through the Apostles will have access to him. Christ has not left us as orphans to fend for ourselves especially regarding matters of faith and morality. He has given us a Church to teach us correct doctrine feeding us spirituality as well as physically. For more information on how Christ feeds us through his Church click here.

More to Come...

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you." (John 16:12-15)

Christ's Church will speak with the authority of God through The Holy Spirit! And will faithfully glorify Christ and give what belongs to Christ like salvation, forgiveness of sins, and correct teachings to his followers. He does all of this through the Sacraments of the Catholic (Universal) Church!

This next verse kinda brings it all home. St. Paul is writing to Timothy about the Church and how people and leaders in the Church should conduct themselves. Paul reminds us that his good council through The Church is efficacious to is followers and that they should listen to him because The Church which he represents is the pillar of Truth!

"I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, pillar and buttress of the truth." (1 Tim 3:14-15)

In Conclusion...

Obviously, there is so much more I could say, but there is a lot of Scripture to go through already. What I want to stress here is that Christ in fact built a Church and this Church is both spiritual and physical, the continuity of Christ's actions in scripture proves it. Like I said before in the Remember section. Everything Christ did and does is both spiritual as well as physical, even to the point of creating you and me. To say that he stopped with the creation and mission of his Church is to say Christ lacks continuity in what he does! To say that the physical reality of his spiritual Church some how disintegrated along with the death's of the Apostles denies what is said in Scripture and what has been witnessed throughout history! We know that Christ lacks nothing and is no fool who built upon sand (Matt 7-24-27.) What Christ builds lasts and what he says is no lie!!

Believe it!

Sincerely Joanne Utke

Further look at Church teaching...

Sections of The Catechism referenced by Ignatius Study Bible: New Testament plus a couple extra. The bold numbers are for the place the passage holds in the Catechism. Notice certain others are reference for your further study. I have included the scriptures rather than the footnote numbers for your convenience.

(CCC 87) Mindful of Christ’s words to his apostles: “He who hears you, hears me,” the faithful receive with docility the teachings and directives that their pastors give them in different forms.

(CCC 551) From the beginning of his public life Jesus chose certain men, twelve in number, to be with him and to participate in his mission. (Cf. Mk 3:13–19) He gives the Twelve a share in his authority and “sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.” (Lk 9:2) They remain associated for ever with Christ’s kingdom, for through them he directs the Church: (858, 765) As my Father appointed a kingdom for me, so do I appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Lk 22:29–30)

(CCC 552) Simon Peter holds the first place in the college of the Twelve; (Cf. Mk 3:16; 9:2; Lk 24:34; 1 Cor 15:5) Jesus entrusted a unique mission to him. Through a revelation from the Father, Peter had confessed: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”Our Lord then declared to him: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Mt 16:18) Christ, the “living stone,” (1 Pet 2:4) thus assures his Church, built on Peter, of victory over the powers of death. Because of the faith he confessed Peter will remain the unshakeable rock of the Church. His mission will be to keep this faith from every lapse and to strengthen his brothers in it. (Cf. Lk 22:32) (880, 153, 442, 424)

(CCC 553) Jesus entrusted a specific authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:19) The “power of the keys”designates authority to govern the house of God, which is the Church. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, confirmed this mandate after his Resurrection: “Feed my sheep.” (Jn 21:15–17; cf. 10:11) The power to “bind and loose”connotes the authority to absolve sins, to pronounce doctrinal judgments, and to make disciplinary decisions in the Church. Jesus entrusted this authority to the Church through the ministry of the apostles (Cf. Mt 18:18) and in particular through the ministry of Peter, the only one to whom he specifically entrusted the keys of the kingdom.

(CCC 858) Jesus is the Father’s Emissary. From the beginning of his ministry, he “called to him those whom he desired;.... And he appointed twelve, whom also he named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach.” (Mk 3:13-14) From then on, they would also be his “emissaries” (Greek apostoloi). In them, Christ continues his own mission: “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” (Jn 20:21; cf. 13:20;) The apostles’ ministry is the continuation of his mission; Jesus said to the Twelve: “he who receives you receives me.” (Mt 10:40; cf. Lk 10:16.)

(CCC 1444) In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins the Lord also gives them the authority to reconcile sinners with the Church. This ecclesial dimension of their task is expressed most notably in Christ’s solemn words to Simon Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:19; cf. Mt 18:18; 28:16-20) “The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of the apostles united to its head.” (981)

(CCC 1445) The words bind and loose mean: whomever you exclude from your communion, will be excluded from communion with God; whomever you receive anew into your communion, God will welcome back into his. Reconciliation with the Church is inseparable from reconciliation with God. (553) The sacrament of forgiveness

And I give them life everlasting!

Taking a look at John's Gospel chapters 6 and 10. About sheep and food :)

   After reading this article go directly to your Bible and read both chapters prayerfully. I think there are some similarities. I am using the Douay Rheims translation for this article.

As you read these scriptures THINK about what it means to "believe" in Christ.

Ask yourself, what is my Lord and Savior asking me to believe about him?

Do you believe his Words?

Do you doubt our Lords Words and means to effect your salvation?

Do you believe what our Lord says in John 6 is possible?

Take it and read! See for yourself. May our Lord open our eyes to him who is truth, amen.


John 10:

"Jesus therefore said to them again: Amen, amen I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All others, as many as have come, are thieves and robbers: and the sheep heard them not. I am the door. By me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved: and he shall go in, and go out, and shall find pastures. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they may have life, and may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flieth: and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep: And the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep. 

I am the good shepherd; and I know mine, and mine know me. As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep. And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. Therefore doth the Father love me: because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No man taketh it away from me: but I lay it down of myself, and I have power to lay it down: and I have power to take it up again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (Jan 10:7-18)

Jesus here in chapter 10 speaks about his followers which are likened to sheep. Christ is The good Shepherd. He will gather together his flock from among the Jews and Gentiles. He loves his sheep perfectly, watches over them perfectly, protects them perfectly, even gives his life up for them perfectly, and as you will see in John 6, feeds them perfectly!

His sheep know him personally and faithfully. Christ's flock believes in him and what he says!

"And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. The Jews therefore came round about him, and said to him: How long dost thou hold our souls in suspense? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them: I speak to you, and you believe not: the works that I do in the name of my Father, they give testimony of me. But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice: and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them life everlasting; and they shall not perish for ever, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand. That which my Father hath given me, is greater than all: and no one can snatch them out of the hand of my Father. I and the Father are one." ( Jn 10: 22-30)

"And I give them life everlasting"

Of course being a part of Christ's flock has it's perks. But, how will He give his sheep life everlasting? To answer this we can look back in John's gospel to chapter 6 and just let our Lord answer that.

John 6:

"Jesus answered them, and said: Amen, amen I say to you, you seek me, not because you have seen miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting, which the Son of man will give you. For him hath God, the Father, sealed." (Jan 6:26-27)

He tells those following him that all they want is more food. They are hungry sheep and look to their master to feed them, but they don't yet get how he will feed them. Here Jesus is setting the scene for his most difficult teaching, a teaching that will bring a schism. To have everlasting life we need everlasting food. Also, "Sealed" reminds me of "I give them life everlasting; and they shall not perish for ever, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand," in chapter 10.

"They said therefore unto him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered, and said to them: This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he hath sent. They said therefore to him: What sign therefore dost thou shew, that we may see, and may believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say to you; Moses gave you not bread from heaven, but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life to the world. They said therefore unto him: Lord, give us always this bread." (Jn 6:28-34)

Yes, Lord give us this bread always!

His followers still are looking to be fed. Some typology going on here. Moses who is a type of Christ fed his people with miraculous bread from heaven, so Christ also will. But, here Jesus wants his flock to understand that the food that he will provide is superior and much more miraculous then what Moses provided.

Note: In typology the type is never greater than what is being prefigured. For example. Moses is a type of Christ and Christ is greater than Moses. The manna which fed God's people is a type of the bread Christ will feed his sheep. If the manna was real, miraculous bread from heaven, then how much more real, and miraculous will Christ's bread be? In fact Christ specifically pointed out how much more superior his bread is in (Jn 6:28-34) already quoted. In other words. The manna wasn't a symbolic bread, it was real bread from heaven! It is biblically inconsistent to think that Christ's bread would be merely a symbol of what he is saying in John 6 when the manna was not.

THINK about that!


Keep reading: Here is the part where The good Shepherd feeds his sheep (followers) perfectly.

"And Jesus said to them: I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger: and he that believeth in me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, that you also have seen me, and you believe not." (Jn 6:35-36)

Speaking to those who did not hear his voice and believe. And those who believe (like sheep) will come to him. Jesus tells us that "he that cometh to me shall not hunger: and he that believeth in me shall never thirst." Certainly, he didn't only mean this to those who knew him personally then. What he is implying is a miraculous food that will feed his flock throughout all times, until he comes again. He also reminds us the importance of believing. Ask yourself what is he wanting us to believe in order to never thirst or be hungry? Obviously he isn't just talking about everyday ordinary food - food that parishes. There is so much more going on here.

"All that the Father giveth to me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I will not cast out. Because I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me. Now this is the will of the Father who sent me: that of all that he hath given me, I should lose nothing; but should raise it up again in the last day. And this is the will of my Father that sent me: that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth in him, may have life everlasting, and I will raise him up in the last day." (Jn  6:37-40)

Our Lord is asking us to see him, and believe!


More doubters and unbelievers. There are some in chapter 10 too in verse 19 and so on. 

Keep reading It's getting good!

"The Jews therefore murmured at him, because he had said: I am the living bread which came down from heaven. And they said: Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then saith he, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered, and said to them: Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father, who hath sent me, draw him; and I will raise him up in the last day. It is written in the prophets: And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard of the Father, and hath learned, cometh to me. Not that any man hath seen the Father; but he who is of God, he hath seen the Father. Amen, amen I say unto you: He that believeth in me, hath everlasting life." (Jn 6:41- 47)

Believe what Lord?

 "I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven; that if any man eat of it, he may not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" (Jn 6:48-52)

Have you ever wondered at that? More of that typology going on here. Remember when I said, "Moses who is a type of Christ fed his people with miraculous bread from heaven, so Christ also will." And, "Jesus wants his flock to understand that the food that he will provide is superior and much more miraculous then what Moses provided."

Jesus explains further with a more intensified language and more typology.

He's serious folks!

"Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, abideth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead. He that eateth this bread, shall live for ever." (Jn 6:53-58)

Schism anyone?

When we continue reading in John 6 we see that Jesus has created yet another dissension as seen in John 10:19. Although here in John 6 we see that it is more like a schism. The first schism among our Lord's followers and it was the Words of Christ (because they didn't believe) that provoked it.

Ask yourself: If our Lord was only speaking symbolically, and actually didn't intend to feed his sheep his very own flesh and blood then why would he a) use such seriously strong language and b) risk a schism among his followers? Notice he didn't call them back, our Lord accepted the schism, because his Words are serious he meant what he said, and if his teachings cause a schism because his so called sheep don't want to believe then so be it!

He's not going to make us believe and he is certainly not going to change his teachings to fit our comfort level, or make it easier to believe. Our Lord means what he says and he offers us a choice to accept his teachings or not.


"This saying is hard, and who can hear it?"

"Many therefore of his disciples, hearing it, said: This saying is hard, and who can hear it? But Jesus, knowing in himself, that his disciples murmured at this, said to them: Doth this scandalize you? If then you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning, who they were that did not believe, and who he was, that would betray him. And he said: Therefore did I say to you, that no man can come to me, unless it be given him by my Father." (Jn 6:60-65)

His followers were having trouble with this teaching and for good reason. Many of them were Jews and the eating of blood and human flesh is forbidden! They wondered if he was for real, and how it was going to be possible. Was he talking cannibalism? Jesus tells us that it is God who will help us to understand and it is by the power of God that we will believe.

We must ask God to help us with this!

They just walked away?

"After this many of his disciples went back; and walked no more with him. Then Jesus said to the twelve: Will you also go away? And Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have believed and have known, that thou art the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus answered them: Have not I chosen you twelve; and one of you is a devil? Now he meant Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon: for this same was about to betray him, whereas he was one of the twelve.(Jn 6:66-71)

They "walked no more with him." Here after he explained this hard to understand teaching (telling them that somehow he would give them his real flesh and blood as food) many just walked away.  Many of his disciples just couldn't wrap their heads around it so they just left. They lacked faith in Christ's words and did not believe and joined the schism. Our Lord reminds us later in John's Gospel about belief, "blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed." (Jn 20:29) Christ wants faith!


"To whom shall we go?"

To be fair to the text, not all of Christ's followers walked away doubting and disbelieving. Some stayed despite their lack of understanding. They just loved our Lord and believed in him!

They didn't understand how, but they knew that if that is what he says then I am sure he has a plan. Peter and the twelve just believed and trusted! They recognized the means that Christ would use to grant them and us eternal life and they trusted that it would play out according to God's plan.

Ask yourself: Do you trust and believe like the Apostles and thos who followed their lead?

Or do you doubt and disbelieve like those who walked away?


Ok, so what about verse 63? 

"It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life." 

Many people use this verse to debunk everything our Lord said as literal and apply to his words a spiritual meaning only. They may say, "see he was talking symbolically the whole time and verse 63 proves it."

But, does it? Our Lord says, "It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing." First of all there are a couple things going on in this verse I admit, but it's not Jesus saying, "relax I was only speaking symbolically."

"It is the spirit that quickeneth." We are being reminded that this miraculous, spiritual food that Christ will give his flock is made possible by the Holy Spirit, it is the Spirit that will give life to his words and make this possible. It is the Spirit of God that will help us to believe Christ's Words. Just like he said, in verse 65 and elsewhere. It is God and the Holy Spirit that will give us the Grace possible to understand.

"the flesh profiteth nothing" Some people may read that part and take it to mean that Christ wasn't really talking about giving us his real flesh and blood to eat, only symbolically. But, I argue that's not the case. They assume that "flesh" here is referring to Christ's flesh. Are we to believe that Christ's flesh profits nothing? Let me remind you that the same flesh that our Lord says he will give for the life of the world as spiritual food is the same flesh that profited forgiveness of sins on the cross! And the same flesh that was assumed into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God!

What our Lord meant (and you can take it or leave it) was that without His Flesh as our True and Spiritual food, our flesh profits nothing! We can do nothing and are nothing without out our Lord who is the way, the truth and the life! (Jn 14:6) Remember what our Lord said earlier, "...Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you." (Jn 6:53)

We may not fully understand how, but we know why. And, we are told that this is how He will feed his sheep. Will we listen to his voice, and believe?

Will we follow him wherever he asks us to go?

Jesus Truly Present in The Blessed Sacrament of The Eucharist, I believe, help my unbelief, and the unbelief of those who want to follow you. Amen

Words From The Church...

 "At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us." (Catechism of The Catholic Church 1323 Article 3: The Sacrament of The Eucharist)

"At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ's Body and Blood. Faithful to the Lord's command the Church continues to do, in his memory and until his glorious return, what he did on the eve of his Passion: "He took bread. . . ." "He took the cup filled with wine. . . ." The signs of bread and wine become, in a way surpassing understanding, the Body and Blood of Christ; they continue also to signify the goodness of creation. Thus in the Offertory we give thanks to the Creator for bread and wine,154 fruit of the "work of human hands," but above all as "fruit of the earth" and "of the vine" - gifts of the Creator. The Church sees in the gesture of the king-priest Melchizedek, who "brought out bread and wine," a prefiguring of her own offering." (CCC 1333 also in Article 3) 

Sincerely, Joanne

If you like this or just want more food for thought please see my other studies like this one as well as the link for the Catechism which I highly recommend.

Also please subscribe with your email to the right of this blog and share with your friends below.

Thanks in advance!

Eucharist in Scripture Study Guide

John 6 New World Translation

Article 3: CCC The Sacrament of The Eucharist.

Salvation Bible Study

Salvation in the Bible, Study

This article is for the serious Bible Christians who love Christ and want to study the written word of God!

    Salvation is a hot topic among Christian apologists and those who choose to engage in apologetic style conversations. One teaching that Catholic Christians and non-Catholic Christians seem to disagree on is in the area of salvation. That is one reason why I focus a lot on this topic. Scripture has a lot to say about it! I really do want to clear up some things before I begin. Both Catholic and non-catholic Christians believe that we are saved by Grace through faith. Works salvation (the teaching that we are saved by works alone) is not a teaching of the Catholic Church and is only presumed a teaching of the Church by non-Catholics. The only difference between the Catholic saved by faith and the non-Catholic saved by faith is that many non-Catholics often teach that we are saved by faith alone! They discount everything else as having a part in salvation. 

Faith alone is not taught in Scripture, faith is never alone! 

   The Catholic and biblical view of "saved by faith" is this: We are saved first by Grace through faith in Christ, this faith is justified by our works or we have a dead faith. A dead faith can't save us! Our faith must be living in Christ for salvation. In some cases faith that saves a person doesn't come from the individual seeking salvation them self. Obviously an unborn baby, a small child who dies, etc.. are saved first by Grace through the faith of the body of believers in the Church as a whole (all who desire the salvation of others) and not by their own justified faith. We could say they are saved by Grace only and that would be OK. I prefer  however to be mindful of the faith of the faithful who are a real part of the body of Christ! If we were to say like many non-Catholics do that we are saved by our faith in Christ alone, then what happens to those who died without faith and without knowing Christ? As in the groups of people I have mentioned. That is an article in itself but please think about that question. 

Grace is a free gift that God initially chooses to pour out onto us in order to move us to faith in him and hopefully our salvation. But this initial response to God doesn't stop at faith alone! Grace is not something that we get once and then we are saved no matter what. Grace is a gift that nurtures us throughout our lives especially if we are willing participants. Grace is the gift that keeps on giving. It is something we have to cooperate with in order to reap it's full rewards. In Scripture belief is synonymous with obedience and a call to do something more.  It is not that (in the Church) works save us as presumed by non-Catholics. It is by the Grace of God working in us that we do any good works at all. It is by a justified faith in Christ out of love that we can align our wills to God's in order to do good works in the first place. We can only boast for God who is working in us and not our self! Works can never save us apart from Grace and a justified faith in Christ out of love and obedience to God. I may not touch on all of these points in this article, but you can read my other articles linked at the bottom for more information. Now that we cleared that up.


Let's begin!

   In Scripture salvation is talked about in three ways. In this article I will explain and show you the Scripture examples of that. I am using the KJV because it is on the public domain and is accepted by non-Catholics. Either way all translations will apply to what I am about to show you. Please use the translation of your choice to look these up for yourself.

Salvation as in...

 1) A past event: "For we are saved by hope...," Rom 8:24. "by grace are ye saved," Eph 2:5. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:," Eph 2:8. "who hath saved us...," 2 Tim 1:9. "but according to his mercy he saved us...," Titus 3:5.

2) A present process: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Phil 2:12. "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:9. 

3) A future event: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Matt 10:22. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.," Matt 24:13.  "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.," Mk 8:35. "we shall be saved," Acts 15:11. "we shall be saved," Rom 5:9-10. "salvation is nearer now then when we first believed" Rom 13:11. "will be saved, but only as through fire," 1 Cor 3:15. "may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus," 1 Cor 5:5. "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Heb 9:28.

We can't only look at the past event verses and say "see salvation is assured to us!" We have to look at all the ways scripture talks about salvation to have a clear understanding of it. We must also do what Christ requires of us, he is clear on that. We can't assume we are saved just because we believe. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19. 

To truly believe is to be obedient to God out of love for him. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. Nowhere in Scripture does it say that faith alone brings salvation. In fact in scripture we only see the opposite, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." James 2:24. 


Faith is never alone or it is dead! 

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" James 2:17-20.

   Jesus himself gave us the prescriptions of what we need to do (choosing to align our wills to Gods) in order to justify our faith in him. We have free will for a reason. He tells us we must love him, we must cooperate with the free gift of Grace by obedience to God our of love! Jesus also has made baptism a way that we can cooperate the free Grace that we have been given. "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5 KJV. Peter by the authority of Christ and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit tells us, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" 1 Peter 3:21. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16.

Sheep and Goats

   In Matthew Jesus tells us about the sheep and the goats. The sheep are the saved and the goats are the damned. He shows us through this story that the difference between the sheep and the goats essentially are the good works which out of love for God justify faith! Notice that it is those who do not perform the works or mercy who are deemed as the damned goats. I want to encourage you  to go back in your bible and read the whole thing, in Matthew 25:31-46. I have only quoted some of it, but read altogether and it really paints the picture.

"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." Matt 25:42-46.

What about the verses where it is said, "if we believe we are saved?" 

   A popular one for this among non-Catholics is in Romans. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9. 

If we look at Scripture as a whole and not take verses out of context, then we can see that the context even of these verses is belief that has been justified by works. It would be ignorant for us to assume that when Jesus speaks of belief that saves us he means belief alone, which is not something we ever see in Scripture. Faith is always along with Grace, hope, love and charity! We know that only a living faith or belief in Christ can save us! When you come across such verses you must keep reading and soak in the context which is often followed by baptism, and other good works that justify faith and not faith or belief alone! 

Another verse that is commonly quoted for faith alone is in Roman 8. "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" Rom 8:24. This verse however  to me shows us the apposite of faith alone assured salvation. Paul says that hope is a necessary part of salvation, but hope that is seen is not hope. In other words if we see or have already received what we hope for then how is it hope, if we already have it? We hope for what we do not see and what we do not yet have! In this case it is salvation which we will only truly know when we reach heaven.

Remember the verse James 2:19 where the devils also believe and tremble? They tremble because even though they know God exists and of Christ's salvation they lacked obedience to it from the beginning. It is simply not enough to just believe. The difference is the demons have a dead faith which is lacking in love for God that ignites good works in us. When we have a faith like this (a dead faith) we will share in the same lot of the fallen angels as Christ says, "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" Matthew 25:41.

In conclusion

   From my experience non-Catholic Christians who subscribe to the faith alone salvation doctrine ignore not only the context of each verse, but they often ignore large portions of the Bible like James 2. We must be careful not to do that. Always ask what is the context of the verse I am being shown? Read the whole chapter and book if you have to before making any judgments on what you think or someone else is telling you that the verse means.

There are also many verses which say, we are saved by Grace. This is why the Catholic Church first takes the position that we are saved by Grace! We also see we are saved by faith and not works. Many times if read in context these verses speak of a different works than for example in James chapter 2. In Scripture there are works of the law (Mosaic Law) and Christian works of mercy, charity and obedience. We must make the correct distinction when we read scripture. 

What about verses like this, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Titus 3:5. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph 2:8-9.

Verses like these are a beautiful reminder that apart from the Grace of God we can do nothing good at all! It is not because of our self that we do good works, but the Grace of God working inside of us. Jesus says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5. 

We are saved by Grace which is a free gift, but not everyone will cooperate with that Grace. We can all agree on that, and it is not the works alone which save us either. It is not that salvation is free in such a way that we can do nothing and still receive it! It is Grace that may lead to salvation that is free, but we must cooperate with that gift or it will do nothing for us. The purpose of Christian works in Scripture is to justify our faith so that we can have a faith that saves! If we do good works apart from our living faith we are not saved because of works. If we do good works because we have a living faith than we cannot boast for our self, but for God! This is all that is meant by those verses about "not by works of righteousness lest any man should boast." 

We can't boast of our righteousness because we do good works and take the glory off of God and put it on our self. We can take no credit for any good works that we do it is by the Grace of God who works in us that does them! "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." 1 Cor 15:10.

Taking all of this into consideration this is how we can say, I was saved at my baptism, I am being saved and I hope to be saved! Saved by Grace through faith that is justified by works made possible by the Grace of God is the only Biblical position to take and it is also the Catholic position. Also it is not that Christ's passion or God's free Grace is insufficient that they need us to cooperate in order to complete it. Christ's death for our sins was sufficient and complete on it's own regardless even if no one was ever saved! Christ wants us to cooperate with Grace out of faith, hope and love! We are his coworkers, his laborers. Not that he needs it, but that we do. When we reach heaven we will be gloried with him, and co airs of the Kingdom! I think that says a lot about what kind of relationship Christ wants with us.

I hope you liked this article if you have any questions you can contact me on Facebook or just put it in your comment right here via google+. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my article it is much appreciated. Please like, comment and share. Please open your hearts and minds to the beauty of the Catholic Church which whether you believe it or not was founded by Christ and lives by the power of the Holy Spirit! Something I have learned and am still learning.

Sincerely Joanne Utke

Please take a look at similar articles by me from this blog. Thank you! 

Baptism in Scripture 
Works Salvation
Salvation Assurance

Also see Jimmy Akin's article on Faith Alone a must read and the below video.



Scripture used in this article.

A past event:
Rom 8:24
Eph 2:5
Eph 2:8
2 Tim 1:9 
Titus 3:5 

A present process:
Phil 2:12  
1 Peter 1:9

A future event: 
Matt 10:22 
Matt 24:13   
Mk 8:35  
Acts 15:11 
Rom 5:9-10  
Rom 13:11 
1 Cor 3:15  
1 Cor 5:5 
Heb 9:28  


Verses quoted in the rest of the article:
James 2:19
John 14:15
James 2:24
James 2:17-20
John 3:5
1 Peter 3:21
Mark 16:16
Matthew 25:31-46
Matt 25:42-46
Romans 10:9
Rom 8:24
James 2:19
Matthew 25:41
Titus 3:5 
Eph 2:8-9
John 15:5
1 Cor 15:10

Baptism in Scripture

Understanding Baptism 

Fully quoted from the KJV for your convenience. Some verses may be repeated. Where you see (CCC) this is referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

        Baptism is very simply the initiation into the body of Christ, the Church. Baptism is the general way to salvation. In Scripture being “born again” is a reference to baptism and not only or simply a state of mind. We must be baptized born of water and Spirit this being “born again” is explained in this way:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:4-7)

Baptism isn't simply a symbolic sign of our faith it is much more than that. Without it we cannot enter the Kingdom! Notice what Jesus and his disciples do (in verse 22) after the part about being born again. "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.” (John 3:22)

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16) We are told here that we must believe and be baptized. On the contrary if we do not believe and are not baptized we cannot enter the kingdom. This verse can be compared to John 3:5 quoted above. These verses stress the necessity of baptism and is not the language of symbolism.

We are saved, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” (Tit 3:5) This also goes along with what is being said in John 3 quoted above.

More on being born again. “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:23) If we take this last verse on its own we may be inclined to think that the word of God only and not baptism saved us, but what is being said here if we take all the Scripture into account is that the Word of God is what makes it all possible. It is the words of Christ being said over the person being baptized, and the power of the Holy Spirit which gives the waters of baptism its powerful effects to change the state of our souls.

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (CCC 1223)

"Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the common practice where the proclamation of the Gospel is still new. The catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) therefore occupies an important place. This initiation into Christian faith and life should dispose the catechumen to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. The catechumenate, or formation of catechumens, aims at bringing their conversion and faith to maturity, in response to the divine initiative and in union with an ecclesial community. The catechumenate is to be "a formation in the whole Christian life . . . during which the disciples will be joined to Christ their teacher. The catechumens should be properly initiated into the mystery of salvation and the practice of the evangelical virtues, and they should be introduced into the life of faith, liturgy, and charity of the People of God by successive sacred rites." Catechumens "are already joined to the Church, they are already of the household of Christ, and are quite frequently already living a life of faith, hope, and charity." "With love and solicitude mother Church already embraces them as her own."49 (CCC 1247-1249)

“The different effects of Baptism are signified by the perceptible elements of the sacramental rite. Immersion in water symbolizes not only death and purification, but also regeneration and renewal. Thus the two principal effects are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1262) 

Remission of Sin

    We receive sanctifying Grace at baptism, this Grace removes all stain of Original Sin passed on to us through Adam. The waters that saved Noah and his family is a type of baptism scripture explains.

“Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 3:20-21)

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor 15:21-22) We are made alive by dyeing to sin, repenting and being baptized.

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:37-38)

The Scriptures teach us that while baptism is necessary for salvation and initiation into the body of Christ it is also necessary for the remission of sins, which is how baptism saves us (1 Peter 3:21 stated in context above). Remember we must take all the verses as a whole and not allow them to stand on their own or we may miss the point of the whole picture.

"Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

As in Mark's Gospel we see this again in Luke "He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins," (Luke 3:3)

^“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor 6:11)

Baptism not only makes one a Christian, but it also forgives all sins committed and confers sanctifying Grace upon the individual. Baptism sanctifies us! In the Church adult baptism makes up the bulk of the baptisms performed by the Church. However, because of the importance of baptism the Church recommends that Christian families include infants and children into this Christian right. We see in scripture that baptism itself is a means of repentance and remorse for past conduct. In Scripture as we have seen with repentance comes baptism which removes the past sins that we remorse in our selves. Repentance is a means to the end and is not the end itself, there is more that needs to be done and in Scripture baptism is the very next step.

We are then born again, new without sin!

Unlike our first birth under original sin, our second birth is a new creation in Christ freed from this original sin, we become more like Christ who is born and lived on earth without sin! Keep in mind unlike Christ we are all sinners and capable of sin, but this does not mean that we can continue in sin and still be saved.

Baptism and Christ's death

    According to the Apostle Paul, the believer enters through Baptism into communion with Christ's death, is buried with him, and rises with him:

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4)

"when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

The baptized have "put on Christ." Through the Holy Spirit, Baptism is a bath that purifies, justifies, and sanctifies. “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

Hence Baptism is a bath of water in which the "imperishable seed" of the Word of God produces its life-giving effect! "You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:23 also stated earlier) 

Baptism is then something that actually affects us spiritually as well as physically making us like Christ, without sin. This is not the language of symbolism only, this is real and substantial. St. Augustine says of Baptism: "The word is brought to the material element, and it becomes a sacrament." 

Baptism and the Baptizer

    Baptism was first communicated in the first century by John the Baptist the one sent to prepare the way for the Lord. "the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ “John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins." (Mark 1:3-5)

"Although John was the first to communicate baptism, the baptism of John was just a type of Christ's baptism and did not confer grace upon the baptized." (The Council of Trent Sess. VII, Canon I. on baptism, 1547 AD under Pope Paul III) The Council of Trent anathematized (strong rejection of) the teaching that the baptism of John had the same effect as the baptism of Christ.

St. Thomas Aquinas (a great theologian) also answered that, "The whole teaching and work of John was in preparation for Christ: just as it is the duty of the servant and of the under-craftsman to prepare the matter for the form which is accomplished by the head-craftsman. Now grace was to be conferred on men through Christ, according to (John 1:17): "Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." Therefore the baptism of John did not confer grace, but only prepared the way for grace; and this in three ways: first, by John’s teaching, which led men to faith in Christ; secondly, by accustoming men to the rite of Christ’s baptism; thirdly, by penance, preparing men to receive the effect of Christ’s baptism." (Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas c. 1225–1274 AD, available at: www.newadvent.org)

Original Sin

    Original sin is that first sin of man, the fall from original Grace that Adam and Eve experienced (Genesis 3:1-24) and has passed on to the entire human race. This sin of our first parents was passed on to ALL MEN because all have sinned.

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned— sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:12-17)

Saint Paul then goes on in Romans "Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:18-19)

John the Baptist (as already mentioned) comes before Christ preaching the "baptism of repentance" announcing to the world the coming of the Christ, who is later referred to as the new Adam. The first Adam brought sin and death into the world and the new Adam brings the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life!

"For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:21-22)

The Catholic Church thus teaches that baptism forgives not only the sins that we may have committed prior to baptism called actual sins, as in baptism after the age of reason (adult baptism), it also removes the stain of this original sin inherited in us. It is this original sin that is removed during infant baptism.

Infant Baptism

    To make the case for infant baptism we can look to Scripture and Tradition. We see that Christ would not have denied the children salvation and being incorporated into the Church. Remember we have to take the Scriptures as a whole and not have a verse stand on its own for our interpretation.

“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:13-14)

In the synopsis of the Mark passage in the Gospel of Luke we can see that the word children is rendered infants. So we can be open to the fact that both accounts are right and children of all ages were brought to him.

^“And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:15-16)

Christ himself would have no one denied salvation and incorporation into his Church. We can take from the above verses and all of the ones we seen already that Christ does would not deny infant baptism in fact he seems here to be in-explicitly condoning it. He gives them a blessing surly he would have them receive baptism by the faith of their parents. More to the point if we respect and believe in the authority of the Catholic Church as it has come down to us by Christ, in which Christ speaks to us through his Church the pillar and ground of the truth. We must then accept what he teaches through it. 

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Tim 3:15)

Baptism replaces circumcision. “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Col 2:11-12)

The Jews celebrated the right of circumcision at the 8^th day after the birth of the child. Likewise infant baptism should take place around the same time, some may say even exactly on the eighth day. There is no exact day in the Church that a child must be baptized, but the sooner the better is the rule. More on this see the jimmy Akin video below.

We can safely assume that infants were baptized along with their parent converts to the faith from the next verses. Of course infant baptism is not explicitly taught in Scripture. The authority of the Church given by Christ has explicitly and infallibly proclaimed this practice as necessary and holy.

We see in Scripture in addition to the above verses, that whole households were converted and baptized. This would have included anyone living in the household especially infants and children of all ages.

 ^“And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.” (Acts 16:15)

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” (Acts 16:31-33)

“And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other” (1 Cor 1:16)

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Jos 24:15)

In the Jewish tradition concerning circumcision likewise all of the males had to be circumcised even the servants of the household. The circumcision took place on the eighth day of birth, but also adult converts to Judaism had to be circumcised to become Jews and sharers in the Covenant promises. Baptism replaces circumcision and likewise was administered to infants as well as adults from the 1^st century until today. This goes to show that infant baptism is just as valid as adult baptism and was in fact a practice in the Church since the 1^st century.

How are infants baptized if they can’t repent and have faith?

Infants are baptized according to the faith of the whole church and by the faith of the parents or guardians who wish for the child to be raised a Christian and do not wish to exclude them from the New Covenant promises. Also what comes to mind is the fact that Christ being a perfect human being, the Word made flesh, makes up for what is still lacking in us after we believe and have come to him. If this is true for adult sinners surly it is true for the infant who being below the age of reason and lacking faith can still participate in the New Covenant in Christ and the salvation of his or her soul.

The Catechism explains it best. “Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called. The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism. The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth. Christian parents will recognize that this practice also accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them. The practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition of the Church. There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second century on, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning of the apostolic preaching, when whole "households" received baptism, infants may also have been baptized. Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop. The catechumen or the godparent is asked: "What do you ask of God's Church?" The response is: "Faith!" For all the baptized, children or adults, faith must grow after Baptism. For this reason the Church celebrates each year at the Easter Vigil the renewal of baptismal promises. Preparation for Baptism leads only to the threshold of new life. Baptism is the source of that new life in Christ from which the entire Christian life springs forth. For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.” (CCC 1250-1255)

We can further look to the historical writing in the Church (The Early Fathers and Doctors of the Church) that infant baptism is a historical fact of Christianity.

St. Hippolytus of Rome from the 3^rd (215 AD) century wrote, “Baptize first the children and if they can speak for themselves, let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them.” (The Apostolic Tradition 21) Origen a Doctor of the Church also wrote in the 3^rd century (244 AD) “the Church received from the apostles the tradition of giving baptism also to infants” (Commentary on Romans 5, 9) In 252 AD, the Catholic council of Carthage condemned the opinion that infants must wait until the eighth day after birth to be baptized, as was the case with circumcision. St. Cyprian of Carthage, Letter 64 (59), 2)

In Conclusion

    Baptism is not only a symbolic act of faith, and outward expression. Baptism as we have seen in Scripture is much more than that it is something that is necessary for salvation and changes us into Christians! By baptism we become adopted children of God! We can see from Scripture that it is not only possible, but probable that infants were included in the practice of baptism even from the 1^st and 2^nd centuries of the Church.

I have mentioned that baptism is the general way to salvation indicating that there are and will be those who are saved without baptism. The thief on the cross with Christ comes to mind. Also we may safely assume by God’s good Grace and Mercy that people who die before the age of reason and without baptism are in fact saved.

How does that fit in? It is a teaching of the Catholic Church that while baptism (being born again of water and the Spirit) is the general way to salvation some may not be able to receive it. I would like to introduce you to “baptism by desire.” The Church has introduced this term to explain how one can be saved without a baptism of water. Simply if one desired to be baptized and died before baptism could be administered then the person is baptized simply because he desired it, but just could not get it before death. In the case of people before the age of reason (who are not baptized when they die) it is by baptism of desire and according to the faith of the whole Church that they are in fact baptized and saved.

Therefor an unwilling exclusion from water baptism will not jeopardize salvation. If it be a willful rejection of Christ’s saving message and baptism, than therein lies a problem according to the Church and Scripture (as shown in this article). A baby of course cannot reject Christ and his saving message they would not be excluded and in fact are baptized by the desire of the Church and or the parents. This however must never be a reason to withhold baptism from an infant or anyone who is incapable of understanding.

There is a lot to it, but with the Holy Spirit we can dive into the Scriptures and open our hearts to understanding. I hope that I have been able to show you from Scripture that the position of the Catholic Church is the most biblical one.

^“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)

Thanks for reading!

By Joanne Utke


Previous posts by me :) Salvation Assurance a Commentary on Philippians 2:12

Works Salvation

For more info please see The Catechism of the Catholic Church on Baptism.

Infant Baptism 

Baptism Saves You

The Necessity of Baptism

Also watch and listen to these short videos on this page as well as check my other articles.

All verses used in this article:

John 3:4-7
John 3:22
Mark 16:16
Titus 3:5
1 Peter 1:23
1 Peter 3:20-21
1 Cor 15:21-22
Acts 2:37-38
Acts 2:38
Luke 3:3
Acts 22:16
1 Cor 6:11
Romans 6:3-4
Colossians 2:12
Galatians 3:27
Mark 1:3-5
Romans 5:12-17
Romans 5:18-19
1 Corinthians 15:21-22
Mark 10:14
Luke 18:15
1 Tim 3:15
Col 2:11-12
Acts 16:15
Acts 16:31-33
1 Cor 1:16
Joshua 24:15
Hebrews 10:22