It is not our faith which makes baptism, but the water together with God's Word through which the Holy Spirit works faith in the Christian. Baptism, then, is another means of grace. In Rome and with the Reformed it is devalued to being a good work that we do to please God (just like circumcision became for the Jews).
The errors of Rome and Reformed are also seen in the teachings on the Lord's Supper. Even the names which are applied to the Lord's Supper reflect the denominational biases. Rome refers to it as the Holy Eucharist. Literally it means "holy thanksgiving," again, as a good work carried out by Christians! The Reformed call it a "memorial meal." You may even find some who call it the "Agape meal." Again, it reflects the rule of Reason that denies that the body and blood of Christ can actually be present in the sacrament.
Again, with Roman Catholicism, I quote from the Basic Catechism:
He is truly and completely present under the appearances of bread and wine, to make us more like Himself and to join us to one another.
22
What is transubstantiation?
Transubstantiation is the changing of the entire substance of bread and wine into Christ's body and blood. This takes place at Mass at the words of Consecration. 23
The Mass or Eucharistic Celebration is:
--the sacrifice of the cross taking place today on our altars;
--a memorial of Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension;
--a holy covenant meal or banquet in which we receive Jesus himself. 24
Jesus is present at Mass under the appearances of ordinary food and drink to encourage us to receive Him as the spiritual food necessary for a truly Christian life. 25
Participating in the Mass with attention and love can help us:
--to avoid temptations and sin
--to find peace of mind and heart
--to grow in the love of God
--to obtain protection against all dangers
--to gain the help we need from God
--to shorten the Purgatory of departed family members and friends. 26
It is plain to see that the Lord's Supper has become a good work in the eyes of Rome. To the Catholic it is a means whereby he may lead a better life, help his friends and relatives shorten their stays in purgatory and to find peace of mind. Mind you, this has come into the church through Tradition. None of these points is supported by Scripture in the Basic Catechism. But they are a part of the Roman body of dogma and are taught to all Catholics.
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