The Church Fathers on: Baptism of Blood II


What did the Early Christians Believe? Baptism by Blood (Martyrdom)

[On the forms of forgiveness from sins] “First, that is that by which we are baptized unto the forgiveness of sins. A second forgiveness is found in the suffering of martyrdom.” (Origen, Homilies on Leviticus, 2,4 [A.D. 244] )

“If anyone does not receive Baptism, he does not have salvation. The only exception is the martyrs, who, even without water, will receive the kingdom. ...For the Savior calls martyrdom a Baptism, saying, “Can you drink the cup which I drink, and be baptized with the Baptism with which I am to be baptized [Mk 10:38]?” Indeed, the martyrs too confess, by being made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men [1Cor 4:9]. Soon you too will confess: - but it is not yet time for you to hear of these things.” (Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, 3,10 [A.D. 350] )

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