Age Quote by Saint Augustine
“Baptism does not profit a man outside unity with the Church ... For many heretics also possess this Sacrament but not the fruits of salvation ... The benefits which flow from Baptism are necessarily fruits which belong to the true Church alone. Children Baptized in other communions cease to be members of the Church when, after reaching the age of reason, they make formal profession of heresy, as, for example, by receiving communion in a non-Catholic Church.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On Baptism, 5th century
Baptism’s spiritual benefits are exclusive to those united with the true Church; those who leave lose those graces.
In simple terms: Baptism works only within the true Church.
Key Takeaway
Stay faithful to the Church to retain baptismal grace.
Themes
faith
sacraments
church unity
heretical departure
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
doctrinal
When to use this quote
- baptism ceremony
- conversion
- formal profession of faith
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
ecclesiology
grace
soteriology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think sacramental grace depends on institutional affiliation?
- Can grace be retained outside formal membership?
A Different Perspective
If a person leaves the Church, the sacrament’s effect is nullified.
![“St. Augustine says: " Baptism does not consist in the merits of those by whom it is ad ministered, nor in the merits of those to whom it is ad ministered, but in its own sanctity and truth, on account of Him by whom it has been instituted, [it is] for the perdition of those who use it badly and…” quote by Joseph Pohle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5cc/joseph-pohle-3769_truth_st-augustine-says-baptism-does-not-consi_796880.jpg)
![“Since Oliver Cowdery was born in 1806 and was in Poultney from 1809 to 1825, he was resident in Poultney from 3 years of age until he was 19 years of age - 16 years in all. And these years encompassed the publication of View of the Hebrews, in 1822 [1823] and 1825. His three little half sisters…” quote by Thomas Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70f/thomas-ferguson-45184_age_since-oliver-cowdery-was-born-in-1806-an_2387414.jpg)
