Does adult Baptism clear the slate or is more required?

[in_servitude]

Baptism washes away all the consequences of mortal sin, both the eternal and the temporal.

I’d like some clarification on this. My understanding is that forgiveness (resulting from confession and baptism) reconciles us to Christ from a spiritual perspective. However, consequences for our sin remain.

An example that I like (because it’s simple enough for me to wrap my head around) is the one where a glutton decides to reject his sin and repent. The glutton goes to confession and all of that past sin is forgiven by Christ due to the glutton’s repentance. However, all that extra weight is still stuck with the glutton and that person must carry that weight. I think that consequences remain while the spiritual implications are removed.

The same goes with original sin. Baptism washes away the sin, but the consequence remains (death, etc).

If what Linda Marie says is true, then my understanding is way off. Thanks!

 

[in_servitude]

Those of you who are really thinking that a physical act such as baptism can really “save” need to be very very frightened right now.

I didn’t see any comment regarding “save” prior to your post. You seem to be opposed to something else in Catholic teaching. Was the thief on the cross who Jesus said was saved baptized? The Catholic Church does say that even though some people who may die without baptism through no fault of their own does not mean they are damned with certainty. (Miscarried children, for example.) Also, the Catholic Church also teaches that even if you are baptized - you may still choose to reject God - and thus suffer eternally.

That is what I understand - but there are many who understand this much better than I do. Thus, I would not be surprised if I am corrected on some of this.

You indicate that you’re a “Reformed Baptist”. I have no idea what the teaching of that church is - but I’m surprised that it would be so opposed to the graces received through baptism.

Also, check out 1 Peter 3:21.

 

[puzzleannie]

Does adult baptism erase all the mortal sins committed by that adult before his conversion?

yes

Yes, Baptism does of course. However I would advise going to Confession as well.

the newly baptized are prepared for confession as part of mystagogy after baptism, and then are ready to make their first confession when the need arises. there is no need whatever to confess before baptism, and in fact the catechumens cannot since the sacraments are reserved for Catholics

 

[rmills1]

No. It can’t. The ONLY thing that can erase sin is Christ and His work on the cross. If He paid for your sins, they are paid for once and for all. To depend on some kink of magical incantation to accomplish that which only He can accomplish will land you in Hell for sure.

I would be very cautious about leaning on something like this for salvation. You will be far more in danger than you realize… especially if you think you are “safe” because of some work accomplished on your behalf. This false sense of security will prevent you from seeking HIM.

“Truly, Truly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”-John 3:5

I think this passage is pretty clear.

 

[puzzleannie]

Do you realize how dangerous this kind of thinking is? To place dependence on a physical act such as baptism to cover your sins is a matter of WORKS. This is not what Jesus died for on the Cross, which was for the remittance of sins. .

no baptism is a work of Jesus, as are all the sacraments. Are you really saying Jesus LIED when he said unless one be born again of water and the holy Spirit he shall not have the eternal life within him? do you realize how dangerous that can be?

 

[puzzleannie]

I was baptized at age 13 and had some mortal sins as well as I did not make restitution for some things I stole. So would I have to confess all sins before baptism? I also did not make a resolution to amend my life and I think I did not repent. I am worried, I recieved the sacrament invalidly although people have said otherwise.

your fears are groundless, as you were told then and has been reiterated here all your sins, original and actual were washed away in your baptism. No you do not have to confess anything before that time. The validity depends on the actions of the priest who acted in the person of Christ, not in your demeanor. All you need to do is confess mortal sin that happens after this. If people have already told you the truth, and you say they have, there is no need to question it further. Be at peace.