Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 06:2 (Summer 1963)
Article: The Importance Of Understanding The Design Of Baptism
Author: Irah Chase

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CenQ 6:2 (Summer 1963) p. 27

The Importance Of Understanding The Design Of Baptism

Irah Chase, D.D.1

Suggested in a sketch, by the Editor, Relative to
THE DOGMA OF BAPTISMAL REGENERATION

Controversies respecting baptism are not likely to cease, till the purpose for -which it was instituted be perceived and duly appreciated. If this be overlooked, or misconceived, entirely or partially, error will ensue, which some may deem it their duty to oppose. The error may be the source of many other errors. It may introduce hurtful inconsistencies. It may endanger the purity, and diminish the efficacy of the Gospel; or it may even vitiate a whole system of theology, and lead millions of the human family to delusive hopes of eternal life.

Early in the fourteenth century, —it was in the year 13 11, —Pope Clement V., in the Council at Vienna, issued the following decree, which was incorporated into the Canon Law for the spiritual guidance of all Christendom: “Baptism once administered in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we believe to be, both for adults and for little ones, a perfect remedy unto salvation. But as to the effect, since theologians have various opinions, —some saying that to little ones sin is remitted, but that grace is not given; others, on the contrary, asserting that in baptism both sin is remitted to them, and virtues and transforming grace are infused

CenQ 6:2 (Summer 1963) p. 28

as to habit, although not for that time as to the use, —we, taking into view the general efficacy of the death of Christ, which by baptism is applied equally to all the baptized, have, with the approbation of the holy Council, pronounced in favor of the second opinion as the more probable and more consonant with the teachings of the saints and of the modern doctors of theology; the opinion that in baptism are conferred on little ones and on adults transforming grace and virtues.”

According to Cardinal Bellarmine, who was a distinguished member of the Council of Trent, “Baptism produces three effects: first, it takes away and truly blots out all sin and punishment; secondly, it confers by the act performed (ex opere operato) grace and divine gifts, by which truly and formally a person is justified; and thirdly, it impresses an indelible character.”

The Roman Catechism, composed by decree of the Council of Trent, and in 1566 published by the authority of Pope Pius V., teaches that “by baptism we are regenerated in Christ”; that “such is the admirable efficacy of this sacrament, a s to remit original sin and actual guilt however enormous,” and “to replenish our souls with div...

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