Only at the physical level can there be exceptions to extra ecclesiam nulla salus.Hypothetical, theoretical cases cannot be defacto exceptions

Lionel:

You tell me. Why do you think the baptism of desire is not an exception to all needing the baptism of water for salvation with no exceptions?

The Baltimore Catechism answers this:

Q. 653. Is Baptism of desire or of blood sufficient to produce the effects of Baptism of water?

A. Baptism of desire or of blood is sufficient to produce the effects of the Baptism of water, if it is impossible to receive the Baptism of water.

Lionel:

The Baltimore Catechism here says nothing about the baptism of desire being visible or invisible physically for us. Neither does it state here that it is an explicit exception to extra ecclesiam nulla salus.

All salvation is invisible, Lionel. But, to moral certitude, we can observe Baptism of Desire, say, in a catechumen (that is, one who has not been sacramentally baptized) who is martyred in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Lionel:

If you knew a catechumen who has died before receiving the baptism of water which he sought, you can hope that he has been saved and have a 'moral certitude'.So how is this case a physical exception to extra ecclesiam nulla salus ?

Theoretically O.K. But practically how is it relevant ?

Why is this such a difficult concept for you, Lionel?

Lionel:

It is not difficult for me. I can see that you are mixing up the theoretical and practical aspect of Baptism of Desire.

 

The quote from the Baltimore Catechism reflects theory or theology.It is about faith and beliefs. It does not refer to the physical defacto state, in which only there can be exceptions, to extra ecclesiam nulla salus - and there are none.Since salvation in Heaven is not visible to us.

Only at the physical level can there be exceptions to extra ecclesiam nulla salus.Hypothetical, theoretical cases cannot be defacto exceptions.

-Lionel Andrades