Bad Advertisement?
Are you a Christian?
Online Store:Visit Our Store
| Necessity of Baptism.
PREVIOUS SECTION - NEXT SECTION - HELP 
Chapter
VIII.—Necessity of Baptism.
“But now I lead you to understanding by the
same paths. For you see that all things are produced from
waters. But water was made at first by the Only-begotten; and the
Almighty God is the head of the Only-begotten, by whom we come to the
Father in such order as we have stated above. But when you have
come to the Father you will learn that this is His will, that you be
born anew by means of waters, which were first created.783
| 783 [There is
no exact parallel to these statements in the corresponding chapter of
the Homilies (xi. 26).—R.] | For he who is regenerated by
water, having filled up the measure of good works, is made heir of Him
by whom he has been regenerated in incorruption. Wherefore, with
prepared minds, approach as sons to a father, that your sins may be
washed away, and it may be proved before God that ignorance was their
sole cause. For if, after the learning of these things, you
remain in unbelief, the cause of your destruction will be imputed to
yourselves, and not to ignorance. And do you suppose that you can
have hope towards God, even if you cultivate all piety and all
righteousness, but do not receive baptism. Yea rather, he will be
worthy or greater punishment, who does good works not well; for merit
accrues to men from good works, but only if they be done as God
commands. Now God has
ordered every one who worships Him to be sealed by baptism; but if you
refuse, and obey your own will rather than God’s, you are
doubtless contrary and hostile to His will.
E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
|
