We are not examining the mode of baptism, whether by pouring, sprinkling or immersion, but the assertion that in baptism sinners are reconciled to God and are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become children of God.

Par 1213 of the Catechism states, “Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word’ ” (my italics).

This again shows no change from Canon 5 of the Council of Trent, which states that, “If anyone says that baptism is optional, that is, not necessary for salvation, let him be anathema”

and in the Fifth session para 5, “If anyone denies that by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ which is conferred in baptism, the guilt of original sin is remitted … let him be anathema”.

 This is in direct conflict with the Scriptures, which declare that reconciliation is by repentance and faith alone in the atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Ephesians 2:8 we are told”  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: “

Jesus in John 3:36, says, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life”

and again in John 5:24, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life”.

Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved”

I John 5: 4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith”.

Mark 16:16 demonstrates the importance of baptism as a public declaration of the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration while emphasising that faith and not baptism is the channel of God’s grace. It is the person who does not believe who is condemned whether he is baptised or not. Faith alone without the necessity of baptism is demonstrated in Jesus’ acceptance of the repentant thief, Luke 23:43.

Dermot Nash