Which sacrament cleanses all sin and makes one a member of the church?

• A. Baptism
• B. Eucharist
• C. Reconciliation
• D. Anointing of the Sick

Answer: (A)

The thing being tested is how baptism functions as the initiation into the Christian life. In baptism, water cleanses sin—removing original sin and any personal sins confessed in the moment—and sanctifying grace is given to the person. This sacrament also incorporates the believer into the Body of Christ, making them a member of the Church from the very start of their Christian life. That combination—removing sin and drawing one into the community of believers—is why baptism is the one that best fits the description.

Reconciliation restores grace after sin has occurred, but it does so after baptism and is about repairing the relationship with God and the Church. The Eucharist nourishes the life of grace already received, rather than cleansing sin or initiating membership. Anointing of the Sick provides grace and comfort in illness and hardship, not the initial cleansing of sin or entry into the Church.