Thursday, November 9, 2017

St John Chrysostom - Baptismal Instructions - 3rd instruction

I have been reading a book on the writings of St John Chrysostom, which has been a very profound and edifying experience for me.  I have especially loved his writings on baptism.  This was a quote from his Baptismal instruction, addressing the baptism of infants. Keep in mind that this was written in the late fourth century, the time of the Early Church and when the sacraments were being discussed and fleshed out. 

"Blessed be God, who alone does wonderful things! You have seen how numerous are the gifts of baptism. Although many men think that the only gift it confers is the remission of sins, we have counted its honors to the number of ten. It is on this account that we baptize even infants, although they are sinless, that they may be given the further gifts of sanctification, justice, filial adoption, and inheritance, that they may be brothers and members of Christ, and become dwelling places for the Spirit." 

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