Article V Baptism

[1] Baptism is nothing other than God’s Word in the water, commanded by His institution. As Paul says, it is a “washing … with the word” [Ephesians 5:26]. As Augustine says, “When the Word is joined to the element or natural substance, it becomes a Sacrament.” [2] This is why we do not agree with Thomas Aquinas and the monastic preachers who forget the Word (God’s institution). They say that God has imparted to the water a spiritual power, which through the water washes away sin. [3] Nor do we agree with Scotus and the Barefooted Monks, who teach that Baptism washes away sins by the assistance of the divine will. They believe this washing occurs only through God’s will, and not at all through the Word or water.

[4] Of the Baptism of children, we hold that children should be baptized, for they belong to the promised redemption made through Christ [Acts 2:39]. Therefore, the Church should administer Baptism to them.