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Objection 1: It seems that faith is required on the part of the one
baptized. For the sacrament of Baptism was instituted by Christ.
But Christ, in giving the form of Baptism, makes faith to precede
Baptism (Mk. 16:16): "He that believeth and is baptized,
shall be saved." Therefore it seems that without faith there can be
no sacrament of Baptism.
Objection 2: Further, nothing useless is done in the sacraments of
the Church. But according to the Church's ritual, the man who
comes to be baptized is asked concerning his faith: "Dost thou
believe in God the Father Almighty?" Therefore it seems that faith
is required for Baptism.
Objection 3: Further, the intention of receiving the sacrament is
required for Baptism. But this cannot be without right faith, since
Baptism is the sacrament of right faith: for thereby men "are
incorporated in Christ," as Augustine says in his book on Infant
Baptism (De Pecc. Merit. et Remiss. i); and this cannot be
without right faith, according to Eph. 3:17: "That Christ may
dwell by faith in your hearts." Therefore it seems that a man who has
not right faith cannot receive the sacrament of Baptism.
Objection 4: Further, unbelief is a most grievous sin, as we have
shown in the SS, Question 10, Article 3. But those who remain
in sin should not be baptized: therefore neither should those who
remain in unbelief.
On the contrary, Gregory writing to the bishop Quiricus says: "We
have learned from the ancient tradition of the Fathers that when
heretics, baptized in the name of the Trinity, come back to Holy
Church, they are to be welcomed to her bosom, either with the
anointing of chrism, or the imposition of hands, or the mere
profession of faith." But such would not be the case if faith were
necessary for a man to receive Baptism.
I answer that, As appears from what has been said above (Question
63, Article 6; Question 66, Article 9) Baptism produces a
twofold effect in the soul, viz. the character and grace. Therefore
in two ways may a thing be necessary for Baptism. First, as
something without which grace, which is the ultimate effect of the
sacrament, cannot be had. And thus right faith is necessary for
Baptism, because, as it appears from Rm. 3:22, the justice of
God is by faith of Jesus Christ.
Secondly, something is required of necessity for Baptism, because
without it the baptismal character cannot be imprinted And thus right
faith is not necessary in the one baptized any more than in the one who
baptizes: provided the other conditions are fulfilled which are
essential to the sacrament. For the sacrament is not perfected by the
righteousness of the minister or of the recipient of Baptism, but by
the power of God.
Reply to Objection 1: Our Lord is speaking there of Baptism as
bringing us to salvation by giving us sanctifying grace: which of
course cannot be without right faith: wherefore He says pointedly:
"He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved."
Reply to Objection 2: The Church's intention in Baptizing men is
that they may be cleansed from sin, according to Is. 27:9:
"This is all the fruit, that the sin . . . should be taken
away." And therefore, as far as she is concerned, she does not
intend to give Baptism save to those who have right faith, without
which there is no remission of sins. And for this reason she asks
those who come to be baptized whether they believe. If, on the
contrary, anyone, without right faith, receive Baptism outside the
Church, he does not receive it unto salvation. Hence Augustine says
(De Baptism. contr. Donat. iv): "From the Church being
compared to Paradise we learn that men can receive her Baptism even
outside her fold, but that elsewhere none can receive or keep the
salvation of the blessed."
Reply to Objection 3: Even he who has not right faith on other
points, can have right faith about the sacrament of Baptism: and so
he is not hindered from having the intention of receiving that
sacrament. Yet even if he think not aright concerning this sacrament,
it is enough, for the receiving of the sacrament, that he should have
a general intention of receiving Baptism, according as Christ
instituted, and as the Church bestows it.
Reply to Objection 4: Just as the sacrament of Baptism is not to
be conferred on a man who is unwilling to give up his other sins, so
neither should it be given to one who is unwilling to renounce his
unbelief. Yet each receives the sacrament if it be conferred on him,
though not unto salvation.
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