Growing up, attending church was compulsory since I was raised in a family of pastors. I once visited my cousins, who were Catholics, on a weekend when I was 8 years old, and they asked me to accompany them to their church. This was my first time seeing people being sprinkled with holy water. So, when I went back home, I asked my father, who was a pastor, more about holy water. Since I have been in the Christian ministry for 15 years, I have gained more knowledge on this and will answer the question, “What happens if you drink Holy water?”
The Bible does not state what could happen if you drink holy water. However, scholars suggest that nothing will happen if you drink it but don’t have faith. They also argue that if you drink holy water and have faith, your desires may be fulfilled. On the other hand, health experts imply that you could get sick if you drink holy water that is not clean since some of the holy water contains harmful bacteria.
In this article, I invite you to join me as we delve into the topic of holy water. Keep reading to find out what holy water does and much more!
What does Holy water do?
Some Christians suggest that holy water is water that the clergy have blessed. According to them, holy water purifies believers and removes uncleanliness. Most religions that believe in holy water place it near the entrance of their churches. The usage and placement of the holy water correspond to Jewish purification practices. Some religious people believe that holy water can remove negative energy.
Catholics imply that holy water is also an object that can bless a believer. They believe that when this water is sprinkled on an individual, it can impart God’s grace in their lives. Some religions also use holy water for protection against evil.
Catholics use holy water in baptism since they suggest that it is the substance that God used to effect the remission of sins. Matthew 28:19 says, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These are words said by Jesus when he was instructing his disciples to baptize those who believe in him.
Catholics believe that the substance used in baptizing believers during the time of Jesus was holy water.
How do you make Holy water?
Most religions that use holy water suggest that a priest must sanctify it. This means that you may not be able to come up with genuine holy water. However, some suggest that you can attempt to make holy water by paying attention to certain rituals. The following steps can help one make holy water.
Gather ingredients
To make holy water, you need to get water from a natural resource such as a river or lake. Religious people suggest that the water you use must be from a natural source since water is God’s creation, as implied in Genesis 1:6. You must also use pure salt that does not contain any other ingredients. You can get natural rock salt or kosher salt. Catholics speculate that salt is important in making holy water since it consumes positive energy.
Consecrate the salt
Some religious people suggest that you can bless the salt by saying a few words from the Roman Ritual. You can consecrate the salt alone or invite some people to join in the prayer. Christians believe that when making holy water with salt, you don’t have to place it in a specific container.
Exorcise the water
Religious leaders also imply that one has to exorcise the water before combining it with salt. You can exorcise the water by repeating a rite from the Roman Ritual. They believe that you should not make holy water using tap water since it is impure and contains additives like fluoride. If you don’t have access to water from a natural source, you can consider spring or distilled water. You should then add the salt into the water in the shape of a cross as you recite a ritual.
Bless the Holy water
After the ritual, Christians imply that you should bless the holy water by saying a specific prayer from the Book of Blessings. After the prayer, they believe you should make a sign of the cross over the holy water. You can then use it to bless your home or family.
What happens if you drink Holy water?
Some religious people imply that nothing will happen if you drink holy water, while others believe you will fall sick. Religious people use holy water differently. For instance, while Catholics sprinkle holy water on believers, the Eastern Orthodox drink it.
Despite this difference, most religious people suggest drinking holy water is not a sin. However, it could be a sin if the purpose of drinking is not in line with the Bible. For instance, they suggest that one should not drink holy water to gain any magical powers from it.
Whether you choose to sprinkle or drink holy water, many people speculate that you must have faith for it to work. This means that if you drink holy water and don’t have faith, some people believe nothing will happen. Even Jesus reminded us of the importance of having faith in Matthew 15:28. This verse says, Then Jesus answered her, Oh woman, great is your faith, Be it done for you as you desire. And the daughter was healed instantly. This bible verse emphasizes the importance of having faith, and those who believe in holy water often quote it to suggest that having faith is what can help one get God’s blessings or protection from evil.
On the other hand, health experts warn against drinking holy water since they believe it is unhealthy and can lead to illnesses.
Is Holy Water safe for drinking?
Most people imply that not all holy water is safe for drinking. They further argue that one can get sick from drinking holy water since it may contain harmful bacteria. Scientists imply that water can be holy without necessarily being clean.
They further speculate that the water quality at most chapels, churches, and springs could be low since the water could contain fecal bacteria. Some imply that the holy water from such sources could also contain bugs that may lead to inflammatory diarrhea when consumed. Common bacteria speculated to be present in holy water is nitrates. Holy water made using water from rivers may contain nitrates that run off from farms. If these chemicals are ingested, they may cause serious illness, especially in young ones.
In many Catholic churches, people dip their fingers into the holy water to be purified from their sins. Drinking such holy water also poses a health risk since people’s hands are not always clean and may contain bacteria. Also, some Christians speculate that most churches’ containers used to store the holy water are loaded with bacteria.
Many religious people, therefore, suggest that if you wish to drink holy water, it is good to first ensure that it is safe. For instance, you can find out the water’s source and how it was stored before consumption.
Should you drink holy water?
No verse in the Bible suggests that drinking holy water is a sin. Due to this, some Christians speculate that there is nothing wrong with drinking holy water as long it is from a hygienic source. You can drink it as long as it is made with pure, clean water. Some people believe there is nothing wrong with drinking holy water since they follow the example of Saint Teresa of Avila, who also did the same.
Some also argue that God does not care much about whether you consume the holy water, bathe in it, or sprinkle it. They believe that what is more important to God is how strong your belief in God is.
Drinking holy water is believed not to be enough alone. If you lack faith, Christians imply that you may not feel any effect no matter how much holy water you drink. However, if you drink holy water and have faith, some people speculate that you will likely receive your heart’s desires. It could be protection for your family or God’s blessings.
Does holy water have an expiration date?
Most scholars suggest that there is no expiration for the holiness in holy water since the priest blesses this water. However, they further argue that water that is not sterile could go bad with algae after some time, especially in hot climatic conditions. Most priests recommend getting fresh supplies of holy water from time to time since drinking water could go stagnant.
Research shows that when water stagnates, it can get nasty due to algae development. That is why blessed and exorcised salt is used in the traditional blessing of holy water. Religious people imply that salt also makes holy water inhospitable to such critters. Kings 2:18-22 also emphasize the importance of salt in water purification. In this verse, Elisha poured salt into the waters at Jericho and purified them.
Those who speculate that there is no expiration for the holiness in holy water further argue that its effects can still be felt even after using it for a while as long as one has faith.
How do you use holy water safely?
Most priests suggest that the safest way to use holy water is to sprinkle it rather than drink it. You can sprinkle it on yourself or your home, or your children. Another safe way to use holy water is to dip your hands in it as they do in most Catholic Churches and make the cross sign.
Many Christians suggest that since the holy water is sacramental, it should not be poured into the sewer or drain. If you have not used holy water for a long time and notice a change in color or a weird smell, consider pouring it on the ground. You should pour it either in a flower pot or garden.
If you prefer drinking holy water, you can do this safely by bringing your water to the priest for a blessing. This way, you can be certain of the source of water. On the other hand, if you drank holy water without finding its source, health experts recommend consulting a doctor, especially if you begin feeling strange. Visiting a doctor can help you get proper treatment in case you are ill.
Would you like to get holy water for your home? If yes, you can get it from your local church. Ensure you bring a clean container and ask if you can get the water directly from the font.
Is holy water mentioned in the Bible?
Yes. Numbers 5:17 says, Then he shall take some holy water in a clay jar and put some dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. This verse describes a ritual that was used on a woman who was suspected of committing adultery. The ritual was conducted by a priest.
Biblical scholars also suggest that another ritual mentioned in the Bible is baptism. John, the Baptist in Matthew 3:11, is implied to have baptized people with water for repentance. However, Bible scholars suggest that this verse does not refer to the water as holy water.
Another use of water in the Bible is mentioned in the Old Testament. The Bible suggests that God’s law required cleaning unclean things with water for purification, as implied in Leviticus 17:15 and Numbers 19:19. However, some Christians also argue that this water is also not called holy water in the Bible.
Many Bible Scholars speculate that though there is a verse that mentions holy water, the Holy Book does not instruct us to use holy water.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
I am a Christian, I use Holy Water all the time, then I was told to get rid of it because it was used in witchcraft. Help me out here!!! Is that true?? How about our Lady of Fatima??? I am going to pray for a answer. David