On Baptism – The Adversaries - Part II

De Baptismo
 - The Adversaries - Part I
 - The Adversaries - Part II
 - The Apostolic Apostolic Fathers

Wow. I have been quite busy this past month, but I thought I would take some time tonight meditating on the topic of baptism.

My first post was titled On Baptism: The Adverseries. The purpose was to address the alleged adverseries which opposed the apostolic doctrine of infant baptism. The post considers the opinions of Tertullian who according to many Baptists is the most out-spoken 'credo-baptist' of his era, but if one takes the time to thoroughly read Tertullian in the context of his writings it becomes apparent he did not adhere to a credo or anabaptist view of baptism, but rather a modified and pragmatic view of the sacrament in light of and in fear of apostasy.

The following post will continue where we left on and address the teachings of Justin Martyr. He is often cited by Baptists in favour of their teaching. The truth is that his letters need to be understood in the context of his vocation which was an evangelist/apologist. As such he was neither a pastor nor a bishop and his concern was not shepherding a flock but engaging the Pagan religions/philosophies of the Greco-Roman world. The reason this is important is because as an apologist he is addressing those outside the faith, while pastors address the faithful and their families. When you finish reading it should be clear in the context of what Justin taught baptism does and his vocation that he also adhered to an apostolic view of baptism, namely, that it saves and is for children as well as adults.

Justin Martyr

“And many, both men and women, who have been Christ's disciples from childhood, remain pure at the age of sixty or seventy years; and I boast that I could produce such from every race of men.” First Apology, Chapter 15.

This is not a description of baptism but it does state that many have been disciples from childhood.

“And for this [rite] we have learned from the apostles this reason. Since at our birth we were born without our own knowledge or choice, by our parents coming together, and were brought up in bad habits and wicked training; in order that we may not remain the children of necessity and of ignorance, but may become the children of choice and knowledge, and may obtain in the water the remission of sins formerly committed, there is pronounced over him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe; he who leads to the laver the person that is to be washed calling him by this name alone. For no one can utter the name of the ineffable God; and if any one dare to say that there is a name, he raves with a hopeless madness. And this washing is called illumination, because they who learn these things are illuminated in their understandings. And in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and in the name of the Holy Ghost, who through the prophets foretold all things about Jesus, he who is illuminated is washed.”

First Apology, Chapter 61

Justin here teaches that we "obtain in the water the remission of sins formerly committed." Without a doubt Justin does continue that "him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe." Certainly this speak to the those who as converts have repented and believed before their baptism, but it also speaks to the efficiency of baptism which is very important.

Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water. For Christ also said, Unless you be born again, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

First Apology, Chapter 61

Again in this chapter he writes,
He repeats that the converts "are regenerated in the same manner" which is baptism, he then proceeds to quote John 3:3.

But there is no other [way] than this—to become acquainted with this Christ, to be washed in the fountain spoken of by Isaiah for the remission of sins; and for the rest, to live sinless lives.

Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter 44

Yet again we see that in baptism we receive the remission of sins according to Justin. It should be sufficiently clear that Justin teaches in accordance with the apostolic doctrine of baptismal regeneration. Or as St. Peter states "Baptism now saves you." 

I will continue tomorrow with the other Apostolic Fathers.