Baptism Not Required

[Reuben_J]

How does the grace received in baptism practically affect a person? It’s clear that at least some baptized infants grow up to reject the Christian faith. In light of this, what contributes to this loss of faith in those who have been baptized. Is there a seed of faith deposited in the infant or do Catholics believe faith comes later and if faith does not come later what does that mean for the infant baptism?

I hope I’m making sense.

Hi. Sorry for the interjection. A quick one … the grace of Baptism does not change a person. He would be the same old Joe with all the warts and all. He would not be spared of evil temptation and he may even succumb to it.

That grace purifies his soul - it will become as white as snow as all sins would be wiped clean. It will be a new clean slate that allows him to go to heaven should he die without committing any further sins after the Baptism.

That is what Baptism guarantees to an infant.

As he/she grows up, he/she will grow in stature in the faith as guided and whereby applicable, facilitated by the parents. The person’s character - both strength and weaknesses remain. The Holy Spirit strengthens him/her if he/she allows it but he/she retains the freewill to stay or to leave the faith.