INTRODUCTION

The much disputed expression “induere Christum” is one of the most important and interesting of the N. T. formulas. It receives its chief importance from its connection with Baptism and regeneration. This phrase was chosen by St. Paul (Gal. 3:27) to express the grand truth of man’s palingenesis, which is the incomparable and transcendent realization of the cherished hopes and ardent cravings of the ancient peoples, Jewish and Gentile, for a σωτηρία from the slavery of sin and satan and for a renewal of themselves and a closer union with God. Again, “induere Christum” is used by St. Paul without any reference to Baptism, in an ethical sense. In Rom. 13:14, is contained an epitome of the principles of moral perfection. It is evident from these contexts alone, which concern the most vital truths of Christianity, that our formula presents a paramount and pivotal problem of N. T. exegesis.

But this phrase has received an astounding variety of interpretations; and, what is worse, as time proceeds, the views concerning the meaning of the expression become more and more divergent and confusing, culminating in the findings of the comparative study of religions. Both the extraordinary importance of the words and the utter confusion concerning their meaning, therefore, recommend this famous N. T. formula to a special study and a thorough investigation.