ST III, q. 64
Of the Causes of the Sacraments
In the next place we have to consider the causes of the sacraments, both as to authorship and as to ministration. Concerning which there are ten points of inquiry:
(1) Whether God alone works inwardly in the sacraments?
(2) Whether the institution of the sacraments is from God alone?
(3) Of the power which Christ exercised over the sacraments;
(4) Whether He could transmit that power to others?
(5) Whether the wicked can have the power of administering the sacraments?
(6) Whether the wicked sin in administering the sacraments?
(7) Whether the angels can be ministers of the sacraments?
(8) Whether the minister's intention is necessary in the sacraments?
(9) Whether right faith is required therein; so that it be impossible for an unbeliever to confer a sacrament?
(10) Whether a right intention is required therein?
Articles
- a. 1Whether God alone, or the minister also, works inwardly unto the sacramental effect?
- a. 2Whether the sacraments are instituted by God alone?
- a. 3Whether Christ as man had the power of producing the inward sacramental effect?
- a. 4Whether Christ could communicate to ministers the power which He had in the sacraments?
- a. 5Whether the sacraments can be conferred by evil ministers?
- a. 6Whether wicked men sin in administering the sacraments?
- a. 7Whether angels can administer sacraments?
- a. 8Whether the minister's intention is required for the validity of a sacrament?
- a. 9Whether faith is required of necessity in the minister of a sacrament?
- a. 10Whether the validity of a sacrament requires a good intention in the minister?