Part 2 Ante-Nicene Writers on Baptism

Part 2 from the Ante-Nicene Writers

on Baptism

Theophilus and Irenaeus

circa 180 AD

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~~~from Theophilus, (ANF 2. 180)

The things proceeding from the waters were blessed by God, that this also could be a sign of men being destined to receive repentance and remission of sins, through the water and bath of regeneration-- as many as come to the truth and are born again.

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~~~from Irenaeus...

When we come to refute them [the Gnostics], we will show in its proper place that this class of men have been instigated by Satan to a denial of that baptism which is regeneration to God. Thus, they have renounced the whole faith...For the baptism instituted by the visible Jesus was for the remission of sins. (ANF 1.346)

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~~~ Again, from Irenaeus...

As we are lepers in sin, we are made clean from our old transgressions by means of the sacred water and the invoction of the Lord. We are spiritually regenerated as new-born babes, just as the Lord has declared: Unless a man is born again through water and the Spirit, he will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

(ANF 1.574)

(to be continued)

Elder Milton