Baptism: Its Inward and Spiritual Grace (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Baptism: Its Inward and Spiritual Grace (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Baptism: Its Inward and Spiritual Grace is Section LIV of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

Sadler treats baptismal grace as death to sin, new birth, and incorporation into Christ. The section returns to baptism more fully than the earlier baptismal sections and connects the rite with regeneration.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "Because we are born in sin, partakers of the sinful nature of the first Adam." He further explains the section by saying, "It must be the grace opposite to, and the remedy for, original sin."

Theological Themes

• Baptismal regeneration
• Death to sin
• New birth
• Union with Christ

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Titus 3:5
• Romans 6:2-4
• Romans 5:12-21
• John 3:5
• 1 Corinthians 12:13
• Mark 16:16

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's sacramental exposition of the Church Catechism. It is connected with the Prayer Book rites of Baptism and Holy Communion, and with the Anglican distinction between outward sign and inward grace. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Sacrament
• Baptism
• Holy Communion
• Church Catechism