The Catholic Church has always emphasized the importance of baptism. And how it is the first sacrament that you partake in, as you start your journey in the Catholic faith. Infant baptism is something common in the Catholic church, which makes some wonder, what would happen to adults who die without being baptized as infants. Will they have a shot at being able to get into heaven? Adult baptism is very much allowed in the Catholic Church, which means, infant baptism is not the only way to first enter into the faith.
Salvation for All
The Catholic Church teaches that baptism has great importance for salvation. This means that without baptism, one cannot enter eternal life with Jesus. Baptism is also a way for the individual to receive God’s grace and through it, the person is united to Christ.
However, the Church also believes in the possibility of salvation for unbaptized people. This belief is based on God’s infinite mercy, which allows for the possibility of redemption for all people regardless of their baptism status.
The Grace of Baptism
An unbaptized person may receive the grace of baptism through two different events. The first one is called baptism by blood, which is dying as an unbaptized person, through the means of being killed for your faith. The second one is called, baptism by desire, which is an unbaptized person seeking baptism, and repentance for their sins, but ends up dying before having the chance to receive it.
These two ways of receiving baptism usually also mean that the unbaptized person dies in a state of grace, which also means not having committed a grievous sin. God’s mercy would be extended to them, and they could be welcomed into Heaven.
How Can Baptism Affect Your Life?
The sacrament of Baptism is definitely not just a rite of passage in entering the Catholic faith. Being baptized surely has an effect on a person’s life. Baptism, makes you spiritually reborn, as it removes the stain of original sin. It also binds you to a commitment to a new way of living, which is to live a faith-based life, according to the teachings of the Church and Jesus’ example.
Can Unbaptized People go to Heaven?
In summary, the Catholic Church believes that partaking in the sacrament of Baptism is one of the keys to salvation, but the Church does not confine itself to that belief, as God’s mercy is always prevalent above all.