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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