Final answer:
Baptism is a process, not an accomplishment because, while it forgives our sins, it also burdens us to live responsibly with grace, the given statement is b. false because baptism is a process involving the forgiveness of sins and the responsibility to live responsibly with grace.
Step-by-step explanation:
Baptism is a process, not an accomplishment because it involves the forgiveness of sins and the responsibility to live with grace. It is a Christian rite of purification by water, which can involve immersion, sprinkling, or pouring water on the recipient. Baptism is believed to be necessary to cleanse original sin, and historically, it was performed on newborns immediately after birth due to high infant mortality rates.
However, baptism is not a one-time event that guarantees salvation. It requires individuals to live responsibly with grace, which means making conscious efforts to avoid sin and embrace a righteous lifestyle. In this sense, baptism burdens us to navigate our lives with the understanding that we have been forgiven and are obligated to live in accordance with God's grace.
To illustrate, imagine a pious group of Christian laymen taken prisoners and carried away to a desert without a priest consecrated by a bishop. In cases of necessity, they could elect one among them to perform the roles of baptizing, celebrating mass, absolving sins, and preaching. This example highlights that baptism and the Christian estate grant authority to all believers to fulfill these responsibilities, emphasizing the process nature of baptism rather than it being an achievement. The given statement is b. false