Baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments (CCC 1213). It is like birth – indeed, Christ calls it a “new birth” (John 3:5), a birth from above. 

 

Baptism has two effects, one of which takes something away and the other of which gives something. “Through Baptism we are (1) freed from sin and (2) reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ incorporated into the Church” (CCC 1213).