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Question 5
Chrysostom says baptism made us dead to sin “once for all,” yet “after baptism, this state must continually be maintained by our own earnestness”; what does “maintaining” death to sin look like in concrete habits and choices, and how do you distinguish earnest cooperation from self-powered moralism?
Another way to ask: What does it look like in daily life to keep living “dead to sin” after baptism? How can you tell the difference between working with God and trying to be good by your own power?

Direct Answer “Maintaining” death to sin, in the transcript, means continuing not to “obey sin,” keeping the old man dead through diligence and vigilance—yet doing so while relying on God’s assisting power rather than imagining we can do it alone.

Support from Transcript:

  • Chrysostom: being dead to sin means “we do not obey sin in anything again,” and though baptism ended the old life “once for all,” it “must continually be maintained by our own earnestness.”
  • Bercot says we must “walk faithfully… producing godly fruit for the remainder of our lives,” not just at conversion.
  • He quotes Jesus: “Apart from Me, you can do nothing,” guarding against self-reliance.
  • Ignatius: when you desire to do well, “God is ready to assist you… Without God’s assistance, we will not be able to walk.”
  • Origen: “It is up to us to use the power He has given us,” with “energy or… feebleness,” and God grants “power of endurance” in temptation.
Discussion Follow-ups A key distinction in the transcript is: earnestness is required, but it is earnest use of God’s provided strength, not independent moral achievement.

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