Whether the Character of Confirmation Presupposes of Necessity, the
Baptismal Character?
Objection 1: It seems that the character of Confirmation does not
presuppose, of necessity, the baptismal character. For the sacrament
of Confirmation is ordained to the public confession of the Faith of
Christ. But many, even before Baptism, have publicly confessed the
Faith of Christ by shedding their blood for the Faith. Therefore the
character of Confirmation does not presuppose the baptismal character.
Obj. 2: Further, it is not related of the apostles that they were
baptized; especially, since it is written (John 4:2) that Christ
"Himself did not baptize, but His disciples." Yet afterwards they
were confirmed by the coming of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, in like
manner, others can be confirmed before being baptized.
Obj. 3: Further, it is written (Acts 10:44-48) that "while Peter was
yet speaking . . . the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the
word . . . and [Vulg.: 'for'] they heard them speaking with tongues":
and afterwards "he commanded them to be baptized." Therefore others
with equal reason can be confirmed before being baptized.
_On the contrary,_ Rabanus says (De Instit. Cleric. i): "Lastly the
Paraclete is given to the baptized by the imposition of the high
priest's hands, in order that the baptized may be strengthened by the
Holy Ghost so as to publish his faith."
_I answer that,_ The character of Confirmation, of necessity supposes
the baptismal character: so that, in effect, if one who is not
baptized were to be confirmed, he would receive nothing, but would
have to be confirmed again after receiving Baptism. The reason of
this is that, Confirmation is to Baptism as growth to birth, as is
evident from what has been said above (A. 1; Q. 65, A. 1). Now it is
clear that no one can be brought to perfect age unless he be first
born: and in like manner, unless a man be first baptized, he cannot
receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
Reply Obj. 1: The Divine power is not confined to the sacraments.
Hence man can receive spiritual strength to confess the Faith of
Christ publicly, without receiving the sacrament of Confirmation:
just as he can also receive remission of sins without Baptism. Yet,
just as none receive the effect of Baptism without the desire of
Baptism; so none receive the effect of Confirmation, without the
desire of Confirmation. And man can have this even before receiving
Baptism.
Reply Obj. 2: As Augustine says (Ep. cclxv), from our Lord's words,
"'He that is washed, needeth not but to wash his feet' (John 13:10),
we gather that Peter and Christ's other disciples had been baptized,
either with John's Baptism, as some think; or with Christ's, which is
more credible. For He did not refuse to administer Baptism, so as to
have servants by whom to baptize others."
Reply Obj. 3: Those who heard the preaching of Peter received the
effect of Confirmation miraculously: but not the sacrament of
Confirmation. Now it has been stated (ad 1) that the effect of
Confirmation can be bestowed on man before Baptism, whereas the
sacrament cannot. For just as the effect of Confirmation, which is
spiritual strength, presupposes the effect of Baptism, which is
justification, so the sacrament of Confirmation presupposes the
sacrament of Baptism.
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