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Objection 1: It seems that it is not the effect of Baptism, to
open the gates of the heavenly kingdom. For what is already opened
needs no opening. But the gates of the heavenly kingdom were opened by
Christ's Passion: hence it is written (Apoc. 4:1): "After
these things I looked and behold (a great) door was opened in
heaven." Therefore it is not the effect of Baptism, to open the
gates of the heavenly kingdom.
Objection 2: Further, Baptism has had its effects ever since it
was instituted. But some were baptized with Christ's Baptism,
before His Passion, according to Jn. 3:22,26: and if they
had died then, the gates of the heavenly kingdom would not have been
opened to them, since none entered therein before Christ, according
to Mic. 2:13: "He went up that shall open the way before
them." Therefore it is not the effect of Baptism, to open the gates
of the heavenly kingdom.
Objection 3: Further, the baptized are still subject to death and
the other penalties of the present life, as stated above (Article
3). But entrance to the heavenly kingdom is opened to none that are
subject to punishment: as is clear in regard to those who are in
purgatory. Therefore it is not the effect of Baptism, to open the
gates of the heavenly kingdom.
On the contrary, on Lk. 3:21, "Heaven was opened," the
gloss of Bede says: "We see here the power of Baptism; from which
when a man comes forth, the gates of the heavenly kingdom are opened
unto him."
I answer that, To open the gates of the heavenly kingdom is to remove
the obstacle that prevents one from entering therein. Now this
obstacle is guilt and the debt of punishment. But it has been shown
above (Articles 1,2) that all guilt and also all debt of
punishment are taken away by Baptism. It follows, therefore, that
the effect of Baptism is to open the gates of the heavenly kingdom.
Reply to Objection 1: Baptism opens the gates of the heavenly
kingdom to the baptized in so far as it incorporates them in the
Passion of Christ, by applying its power to man.
Reply to Objection 2: When Christ's Passion was not as yet
consummated actually but only in the faith of believers, Baptism
proportionately caused the gates to be opened, not in fact but in
hope. For the baptized who died then looked forward, with a sure
hope, to enter the heavenly kingdom.
Reply to Objection 3: The baptized are subject to death and the
penalties of the present life, not by reason of a personal debt of
punishment but by reason of the state of their nature. And therefore
this is no bar to their entrance to the heavenly kingdom, when death
severs the soul from the body; since they have paid, as it were, the
debt of nature.
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