226 Dimensions of Baptism
takes the moist sperm and makes a human being; even so the power of
God uses the water of baptism to make a corruptible human being into an
incorruptible person. Later in his discussion, Gregory draws the reverse
corollary, that even as without the divine power the moist seed is inactive
(stated at this point),^14 so the material element of water alone is ineffectual
in the new birth.^15
In the midst of this argument about the power of God at work in bap-
tism, Gregory makes his appeal to his previous discussion of the incarna-
tion.^16 The presence of the power of God in the flesh supports the presence
of that power in the baptismal waters. Gregory declares, 'The evidence
that the divine power was truly manifested to us in the flesh becomes the
support of our present argument'. The proof from the miracles that the one
who appeared in the flesh was God is also a proof of 'his presence in the
things done every time he is invoked'. Christ has 'promised to be present
with those who call upon him, to be among believers, to abide with them,
and to live with each', and it is the property of deity not to lie. Therefore,
on the basis of the truthfulness of the divine promise there is assurance
that what is promised is present in the baptismal action.^17 Gregory gives
great prominence to the calling (KAfJGis) upon the divine in prayer (£i»X^l)?
either the invocation of the Spirit on the water at the beginning of the
ceremony (as stated earlier),^18 the calling on the threefold divine name at
the actual baptism (implicit in the following passage),^19 or both. The
divine power brings about human birth, even when not asked for by the
parents: 'how much more in the spiritual mode of generation' will this
power be effective, 'since God has promised to be present in what is done
and has put his own power in the work', we, according to our faith, adding
our prayer and our will to what is undertaken. 'Since the one who prom-
ised is God [who came in the flesh], and the miracles testify to his deity,
'Show me the manner of the generation according to the flesh, and I will explain the
power of regeneration according to the soul'; and in regard to the question of'How?' he
falls back on the incomprehensible power of God (GNO 9.227.7-26 [PG, xlvi, cols.
584B-D]).
- GNO 83.15-16 (PG, xlv, col. 84D); and reiterated 85.9-10 (PG, xlv, col. 85B).
- GNO 103.9-10 (PG, xlv, 101D).
- GNO 15.16-20.25 (PG, xlv, cols. 20D-25A) and 40.6-41.8 (cols. 44C-45A).
- GNO 84.8-85.3 (PG, xlv, cols. 85A-B).
- See above n. 6.
- GNO 86.6 (PG, xlv, col. 85D); explicit at 100.3 (PG, xlv, col. 100B), 'confess-
ing the uncreated holy Trinity'.