“While the Sacraments of Confession (also called Reconciliation or Penance) and Baptism are distinct, they share some profound similarities because both are sacraments of forgiveness and restoration.

Similarities:

1. Both Forgive Sins:

   – Baptism forgives all sins—both original sin, which we inherit from Adam and Eve (cf. Romans 5:12), and any personal sins committed before Baptism. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states, “By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin” (CCC 1263).

   – Confession, on the other hand, forgives sins committed after Baptism. Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Confession when He gave the apostles the power to forgive sins, saying,

“Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained” (John 20:23).

2. Both Restore Us to Grace:
   – Baptism makes us new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and incorporates us into the Church, the Body of Christ (CCC 1267). It is the “gateway” to the other sacraments and begins our life of grace.
   – Confession restores us to the state of grace if we have fallen into mortal sin, repairing our relationship with God and the Church (CCC 1446). It is often called a “second Baptism” because of its power to cleanse the soul.

   – Confession restores us to the state of grace if we have fallen into mortal sin, repairing our relationship with God and the Church (CCC 1446). It is often called a “second Baptism” because of its power to cleanse the soul.

3. Both Rely on Christ’s Sacrifice:
   – The forgiveness granted in both sacraments flows from the merits of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Baptism unites us to Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4), while Confession applies the power of His sacrifice to heal us when we sin.

Key Differences

1. Once vs. Repeated:
   – Baptism is received only once in a lifetime (CCC 1272), because it leaves an indelible spiritual mark on the soul, called a “character,” that consecrates us to Christ.

   – Confession can and should be received repeatedly throughout our lives whenever we fall into sin. It is an ongoing sacrament of healing.

   – Baptism is received only once in a lifetime (CCC 1272), because it leaves an indelible spiritual mark on the soul, called a “character,” that consecrates us to Christ.

   – Confession can and should be received repeatedly throughout our lives whenever we fall into sin. It is an ongoing sacrament of healing.

2. Original Sin vs. Personal Sin:

   – Baptism primarily removes original sin, though it also forgives personal sins for those baptized later in life.

   – Confession deals with personal sins committed after Baptism, especially mortal sins, which separate us from God’s grace (CCC 1855).

3. Initiation vs. Healing:
   – Baptism is a sacrament of initiation, bringing us into the life of Christ and the Church.

   – Baptism is a sacrament of initiation, bringing us into the life of Christ and the Church.

   – Confession is a sacrament of healing, restoring our relationship with God and the Church when it has been wounded by sin.

A Beautiful Connection:
The Church Fathers often spoke of Confession as a kind of “second plank after shipwreck.” St. Jerome, for example, wrote: “For those who have lapsed after Baptism, Confession is the second plank [of salvation] after the shipwreck of sin” (Commentary on Ezekiel, 18:27). Baptism begins our journey of faith, and Confession helps us stay on course when we stray.

The Church Fathers often spoke of Confession as a kind of “second plank after shipwreck.” St. Jerome, for example, wrote: “For those who have lapsed after Baptism, Confession is the second plank [of salvation] after the shipwreck of sin” (Commentary on Ezekiel, 18:27). Baptism begins our journey of faith, and Confession helps us stay on course when we stray.

In summary, while Baptism and Confession are not the same, they are deeply connected in their purpose of bringing us closer to God, cleansing us of sin, and leading us to eternal life. Both are tremendous gifts of God’s mercy!”

Source: Catholic AI