Baptism according to Tertullian and Theodore of Mopsuestia

Abstract

Baptism is a Sacrament in the 'New Law' instituted by Jesus Christ, by which men is spiritually reborn by means of water; and the expressed invocation of the Holy Trinity. lt is therefore considered to be a Sacrament of regeneration. "Consequently it differs from all other sacraments not only in respect of its own matter and form, but also by means of its specific effect- Spiritual rebirth." The word Baptism is derived from the Greek "Bapto'', or "Baptizo", meaning to wash or to immerse. Scripture uses the term "Baptize" both literally and figuratively. In ecclesiastical usage however, when the term "Baptize" or "Baptism" are employed without a qualifying word, they are intended to signify the sacramental washing by which the soul is cleansed from sin at the same instance that water is poured upon the body of the catechumen. Many other terms have been used in order to describe this action. We find these both in the Bible and throughout Christian antiquity- 'Washing of Regeneration'; 'Illumination'; 'Seal of God'; 'The Sacrament of the Trinity' ... The Roman catechism (Ad Parochos, De Bapt,2,2,5), defines Baptism as "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration by water I the world (per aquam in verbo). St. Thomas Aquinas (III:66: 1) defines baptism as "The external ablution of the body, performed with prescribed words." The theologians, who came after, distinguish between the physical and the metaphorical definitions of Baptism. Referring to the former they understand the formula expressing the action of the ablution and the utterance of the invocation of the Trinity. By the latter definition, they understand "Sacrament of regeneration" by which we are reborn to Spiritual life. We associate Baptism always with water, but when Baptism of water is not always available, then other forms of baptism take over; such as Baptism of Desire, also known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, or else Baptism of Blood. [...]