Review article
The sacrament of baptism in the patristic age
Marijan Mandac
; Catholic Faculty of Theology University of Split
Abstract
The teaching of the Church Fathers about baptism is very rich,
varied and many-layered. Each of that-time theologians had a personal
opinion about baptism. However, some outlines of baptismal teaching
can be indicated to some extent in the beginnings of Christianity.
Baptism was considered an act by which God, from grace and
mercy, forgives sins to the baptized. It refers to every sin: original and
personal. Baptismal water cleanses the heart of every sinful impurity
by the power of the Holy Spirit and gives to the baptized the child’s
soul. Baptism is such a deep and fundamental act that it may be called
a new creation and new birth. God’s image is shaped by baptism in
the human soul and remains for all eternity. Through baptism the
baptized become children of God and sons of the Church. In baptism
the baptized becomes enlightened. That enlightenment is the work of
faith which the baptized expresses and accepts in baptism. Baptism
is the seal imprinted into the soul. Through it one knows who defends
and protects the baptized and who he belongs to and serves to. All the
baptized are mutually equal through baptism, they are brothers and
sisters.
Keywords
baptism; water; new creation; seal; enlightenment; forgiveness; sin; justification
Hrčak ID:
84276
URI
Publication date:
11.7.2012.
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