Whether Faith Is Required on the Part of the One Baptized?
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.
Obj. 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.
Obj. 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.
Obj. 4: Further, unbelief is a most grievous sin, as we have shown in
the Second Part (II-II, Q. 10, A. 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 (Q. 63, A.
6; Q. 66, A. 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
Rom. 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 Obj. 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 Obj. 2: The Church's intention in baptizing men is that they
may be cleansed from sin, according to Isa. 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 Obj. 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 Obj. 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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