Required reading
Ante-Nicene Fathers (Vol 5) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude the Appendix by reading 'A treatise on re-baptism by an anonymous writer'.
My summary
Today's reading is another anonymous work, this time on re-baptism.
The author uses different Scriptures to support his view. I think it is best summed up in the author's own words:
'And thus, as our salvation is founded in the baptism of the Spirit, which for the most part is associated with the baptism of water, if indeed baptism shall be given by us, let it be conferred in its integrity and with solemnity, and with all those means which are written; and let it be administered without any disconnection of anything. Or if, by the necessity of the case, it should be administered by an inferior cleric, let us wait for the result, that it may either be supplied by us,5454 or reserved to be supplied by the Lord. If, however, it should have been administered by strangers, let this matter be amended as it can and as it allows. Because outside the Church there is no Holy Spirit, sound faith moreover cannot exist, not alone among heretics, but even among those who are established in schism. And for that reason, they who repent and are amended by the doctrine of the truth, and by their own faith, which subsequently has been improved by the purification of their heart, ought to be aided only by spiritual baptism, that is, by the imposition of the bishop's hands, and by the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, the perfect seal of faith has been rightly accustomed to be given in this manner and on this principle in the Church. So that the invocation of the name of Jesus, which cannot be done away, may not seem to be held in disesteem by us; which assuredly is not fitting; although such an invocation, if none of those things of which we have spoken should follow it, may fail and be deprived of the effect of salvation.'
What grabbed me
A rambling read, but I did appreciate the way the author minimised the role of water baptism in salvation: 'And there will be no doubt that men may be baptized with the Holy Ghost without water,—as thou observest that these were baptized before they were baptized with water; that the announcements of both John and of our Lord Himself were satisfied,—forasmuch as they received the grace of the promise both without the imposition of the apostle's hands and without the laver, which they attained afterwards. And their hearts being purified, God bestowed upon them at the same time, in virtue of their faith, remission of sins; so that the subsequent baptism conferred upon them this benefit alone, that they received also the invocation of the name of Jesus Christ, that nothing might appear to be wanting to the integrity of their service and faith.'
A Baptist could warm to this kind of teaching. A Roman Catholic? Not so much.
Next week's reading
Commence Ante-Nicene Fathers (Vol 6) (Available from Amazon or free here) by reading 'A declaration of faith' and 'A metaphrase of the Book of Ecclesiastes'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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