Calvin on Baptism, Penance, and Absolution

Theologia ^ | 2002 | Rich Lusk

[Gamecock]

Oh boy, a new Calvin debate! Bump for a read in the AM.

[Cleburne]

I am curious, how many other FR Protestants would agree with Calvin's quite strong sacramentalism? And if not, how do you explain the abundant Scriptural passages lending so much strength to baptism?

My own sacramental theology is very much in line with Calvin, and the general consensus of the Fathers- and, most importantly, the Scriptures, though that sounds rather puffed-up pious (I believe the Bible and you don't!!).

[NYer]

My own sacramental theology is very much in line with Calvin, and the general consensus of the Fathers- and, most importantly, the Scriptures, though that sounds rather puffed-up pious (I believe the Bible and you don't!!).

Baptism and Confirmation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Roman Catholic Christians look to the teaching authority of the Church as the sure guide to belief on matters of faith and morals. The latest teaching Council of the Church was Vatican Council II.

On the Church, 4

When the work which the Father had given the Son to do on earth was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that He might forever sanctify the Church. All believers have access to the Father through Christ in the one Spirit (Eph 2:18). He is the Spirit of life, a fountain of water springing up to life eternal (Jn 4:14; 7:38-39). Through him the Father gives life to men who are dead from sin, till at last he revives in Christ even their mortal bodies (Rom 8:10-11).

The Spirit dwells in the Church and in the hearts of the faithful as in a temple (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19). In them he prays and bears witness to the fact that they are adopted sons (Gal 4:6; Rom 8:15-16, 26). The Spirit guides the Church into the fullness of truth (Jn 16:13) and gives her a unity of fellowship and service. He furnishes and directs her with various gifts, both hierarchical and charismatic, and adorns her with the fruits of his grace (Eph 4:11-12; 1 Cor 12:4; Gal 5:22). By the power of the gospel, he makes the Church grow, perpetually renews her, and leads her to perfect union with her Spouse. The Spirit and the Bride both say to the Lord Jesus, "Come!" (Rev 22:17). Thus the Church shines forth as "a people made one with the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

The Church emphasizes that a person becomes a Christian and first receives the Holy Spirit through faith and Baptism.

Paul's teaching implies that the Holy Spirit is normally first given or conferred to individuals through belief and water baptism.

Eph 1:13

In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit

1 Cor 12:13

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body ...

Titus 3:5

He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit

Rom 8:9

Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

The Apostles in the Acts of the Apostles appear to have understood the difference between the presence of the Holy Spirit in Baptism and in a later empowering. If a person were only baptized and did not receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles would pray and lay their hands on them, begging God to send his Holy Spirit in greater measure.

Acts 8:14-18

Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was conferred by the laying on of the apostles' hands ...

The Catholic Christian sacrament of Confirmation originates with this practice.

Water Baptism is not the only time or way that the Holy Spirit comes to live in a person; but the New Testament indicates the importance of being baptized into Christ and thus being sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Rom 6:3

Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Eph 1:13

In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit

Jn 3:5

Jesus answered (Nicodemus), "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit."

Roman Catholic Christians believe that they are first born again of water and the Holy Spirit when they receive the sacrament of Baptism. Catholic Christians also believe that Baptism only begins the work of mission of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

The person who is truly "born again" and "Spirit-filled" is not necessarily the one who has had an extraordinary experience of the Holy Spirit at some point (though this is a blessing), but the person who lives and "walks" with the Holy Spirit; who has put to death the "works of the flesh" and manifests the "fruits of the Spirit." This is what it means to be a "new creation" in Christ Jesus - "the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Cor 5:17)

Much today is heard of being "baptized in the Spirit." The expression comes from Sacred Scripture.

Mt 3:11

He (Jesus) will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.

Mk 1:8

I (John) have baptized you with water; he (Jesus) will baptize you with the holy Spirit.

Lk 3:16

He (Jesus) will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.

Jn 1:33

On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.

[RnMomof7]

I am having a hard time understanding this article..it seems the author is saying that Calvin believed that baptism grants justification (by infusion?)???

That is far different than the traditional covenential teaching found in Presbyterian churchs today..

[Cleburne]

Baptism is an ingrafting into Christ, but it is not a "get into heaven free" token. Faith is still our justification- indeed, for baptism to be of any effect at all towards us the reciever of it must possess a lively, enduring faith.

That is far different than the traditional covenential teaching found in Presbyterian churchs today...

Calvin's high view of the sacrament has been, either conciously or unconciously, rejected by many if not most of his heirs these days.

Baptismal Efficacy and the Reformed Tradition: Past, Present, and Future, from the same source as the one above, delves further into the historic Reformed baptismal positions.

[Conservative til I die]

Who's John Calvin? He's sorta like Charles Taze Russell, Ellen White, and Mary Baker Eddy right?

[Wrigley]

Since you're trying to start flaming, you left out any number of Popes ending with the current one.

[Cleburne]

I suppose if Calvin alone were the originator of Reformed beliefs, then he certainly would be- however, he is not, but rather one of many Reformers. He- and the other Reformers- carry in the Reformed tradition something of weight that the early Church Fathers bear.

[drstevej]

puerile.

[Conservative til I die]

You're right, I was just having a little fun. However, and this is not to start a discussion but rather just my own opinion and I'll leave it at that, I don't see what the difference is between Calvin and the three other founders of particular theological dogmas are.

[Wrigley]

It's not too often a Romanist is honest enough to admit his ignorance.

[drstevej]

I'll add the gasoline, step back and watch!

[RnMomof7]

Who's John Calvin? He's sorta like Charles Taze Russell, Ellen White, and Mary Baker Eddy right?

Did they like Luther object to the idea of paying the church hard cash as a get out of hell free card?

[drstevej]

[Conservative til I die]

Did they like Luther object to the idea of paying the church hard cash as a get out of hell free card?

No but I believe they erected big strawmen in front of their Churches.

[Conservative til I die]

It's not too often a Romanist is honest enough to admit his ignorance.

I just don't see the difference really. What they all did was just a difference of degree. Don't get mad just because I don't root for your team or something.

[Calvinist_Dark_Lord]

"...you left out any number of Popes ending with the current one."

Funny that. The SSPX people think the same thing.

[drstevej]

***"...you left out any number of Popes ending with the current one."***

They are all waiting for the next one...

- Pope Piel I, the Pocket Fisher of Men

[Wrigley]

Unless your a Cardinal fan, I don't care which team you root for.