Article XVI: Of sin after baptism

2 Responses

  1. Bob Chapman says:

    I always thought this article spoke against the practice of the Church during the days of the Roman Empire of delaying Baptism until near death. The reason, as I understand it, was because Baptism forgave all your sins to the point of Baptism–but not necessarily afterwards. Therefore, delay and get the best deal you can for your Baptism. This turns Baptism into Works Righteousness. Do this, and you are forgiven.

    Delaying Baptism to get the maximum bang from the buck isn’t any different than telling someone to say the Sinner’s Prayer as a Get into Heaven Free card. Do this, and you are saved.

    Wouldn’t it be nice if Christianity were that simple to master! Of course, who would be in control at that point, God or Man?

  2. Scott Gunn says:

    Bob, the Article may well be addressing the issue you raise, at least partly. And clearly the Donatist heresy was part of the issue. But the Reformers were quite concerns with grace/faith/sin/works and spent lots of energy trying to sort out that equation, as exemplified in last week’s set of Articles.