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Objection 1: It seems that the intention of receiving the sacrament
of Baptism is not required on the part of the one baptized. For the
one baptized is, as it were, "patient" in the sacrament. But an
intention is required not on the part of the patient but on the part of
the agent. Therefore it seems that the intention of receiving Baptism
is not required on the part of the one baptized.
Objection 2: Further, if what is necessary for Baptism be
omitted, the Baptism must be repeated; for instance, if the
invocation of the Trinity be omitted, as stated above (Question
66, Article 9, ad 3). But it does not seem that a man should
be rebaptized through not having had the intention of receiving
Baptism: else, since his intention cannot be proved, anyone might
ask to be baptized again on account of his lack of intention.
Therefore it seems that no intention is required on the part of the one
baptized, in order that he receive the sacrament.
Objection 3: Further, Baptism is given as a remedy for original
sin. But original sin is contracted without the intention of the
person born. Therefore, seemingly, Baptism requires no intention on
the part of the person baptized.
On the contrary, According to the Church's ritual, those who are
to be baptized ask of the Church that they may receive Baptism: and
thus they express their intention of receiving the sacrament.
I answer that, By Baptism a man dies to the old life of sin, and
begins a certain newness of life, according to Rm. 6:4: "We are
buried together with" Christ "by Baptism into death; that, as
Christ is risen from the dead . . . so we also may walk in newness
of life." Consequently, just as, according to Augustine (Serm.
cccli), he who has the use of free-will, must, in order to die to
the old life, "will to repent of his former life"; so must he, of
his own will, intend to lead a new life, the beginning of which is
precisely the receiving of the sacrament. Therefore on the part of the
one baptized, it is necessary for him to have the will or intention of
receiving the sacrament.
Reply to Objection 1: When a man is justified by Baptism, his
passiveness is not violent but voluntary: wherefore it is necessary for
him to intend to receive that which is given him.
Reply to Objection 2: If an adult lack the intention of receiving
the sacrament, he must be rebaptized. But if there be doubt about
this, the form to be used should be: "If thou art not baptized, I
baptize thee."
Reply to Objection 3: Baptism is a remedy not only against
original, but also against actual sins, which are caused by our will
and intention.
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