Early Christian Views on Salvation

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

Salvation, accordingly, is the following of Christ: For that which is in Him is life.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Direct teaching

but He thus bestowed salvation upon ourselves. For to follow the Saviour is to be a partaker of salvation, and to follow light is to receive light.

Ignatius of Antioch, Connection to Romans 10:10 Direct teaching

Men believe with the heart and confess with the mouth, the one unto righteousness, the other unto salvation. It is good to teach, if the teacher also does what he says.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

In the end, the agreement and harmony of both forms of faith lead to one goal: salvation. We have the apostle as a sure witness: "For I desire to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, in order that you may be strengthened; that is, that I may be comforted among you by the mutual faith of you and me." Romans 1:11-12 And a little later he adds, "The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith." Romans 1:17 So the apostle clearly declares a twofold faith, or rather one faith that allows growth and perfection, for the common faith lies underneath as a foundation. Therefore, to those who desired to be healed and were moved by faith, He added, "Your faith has saved you." Matthew 9:22 But what is built excellently on that foundation is completed in the believer, and is further perfected by the faith that comes from instruction and the word, so that the commandments may be carried out. Such were the apostles, of whom it is said that faith removed mountains and transplanted trees. From this, seeing how great its power was, they asked that faith might be added to them, Luke 17:5 a faith that helpfully grips the soil like a grain of mustard seed and grows splendidly

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

For the rest, the apostle must (be permitted to) go on with his own statement, wherein he says that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith: Galatians 2:16 faith, however, in the same God to whom belongs the law also.

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Direct teaching

This most profound and recondite mystery, destined before the worlds for the salvation of the human race, is found to be fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ, both God and man, that the human race might be placed within the reach of the enjoyment of eternal salvation.

Methodius, Concerning Free Will Supporting witness

Since certainly grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, John 1:17 whence also by grace we are saved, according to that word of the apostle, and that not of yourselves, nor of works, Jest any man should boast;

Hebrews 5:9 Direct teaching

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Ephesians 2:8 Supporting witness

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Romans 3:28 Supporting witness

For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Romans 1:17 Supporting witness

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 3:24 Supporting witness

and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

...tinue my questions." He said, "Go on." And I said, "Sir, I heard some teachers say that there is no repentance except the one that happens when we go down into the water and receive forgiveness of our former sins." He said to me, "What you heard was sound teaching, for that is really so. For the person who has received forgiveness of sins ought not to sin anymore, but to live in purity. However, since you are asking carefully about everything, I will explain this to you also. I do not say it in order to give an excuse for error to those who are going to believe, or who have recently believed, in the Lord. For those who have now believed, and those who are going to believe, do not have repentance for sins, but they do have forgiveness of their previous sins. But for those who were called before these days, the Lord has appointed repentance. For the Lord, knowing the heart and knowing beforehand all things, knew the weakness of human beings and the many tricks of the devil, that he would bring some evil on the servants of God and would act wickedly toward them. Therefore the Lord, being merciful, had mercy on the work of His hand and appointed repentance for them. And He has given

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

...he Lord, that it is great and glorious, and that He has given His Spirit to those who are worthy of repentance." "Then why, sir," I said, "did not all these repent?" He answered, "To those whose heart He saw would become pure and obedient to Him, He gave power to repent with the whole heart. But to those whose deceit and wickedness He perceived, and saw that they intended to repent hypocritically, He did not grant repentance, lest they should again profane His name." I said to him, "Sir, show me now, concerning those who gave in the branches, what sort they are, and what their dwelling place is, so that those hearing it who believed, and received the seal, and broke it, and did not keep it whole, may, on coming to know their deeds, repent, and receive a seal from you, and may glorify the Lord because He had compassion on them and sent you to renew their spirits." "Listen," he said. "Those whose branches were found withered and moth-eaten are the apostates and traitors of the Church, who have blasphemed the Lord in their sins, and have also been ashamed of the name of the Lord by which they were called. These, therefore, in the end were lost to God. And you see that not a single

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

...ed at least had their dwelling in the tower. But some of them later fell away. These, then, have no repentance, because on account of their business they blasphemed the Lord and denied Him. Therefore they lost their lives through the wickedness they committed. And many of them doubted. These still have repentance within their power, if they repent quickly, and their home will be in the tower. But if they are slower to repent, they will dwell within the walls. And if they do not repent, they too have lost their lives. And those who handed in their branches with two-thirds withered and one-third green are the people who have denied the Lord in various ways. Many, however, repented, but some of them hesitated and were in doubt. These, then, have repentance within their reach, if they repent quickly and do not remain in their pleasures. But if they continue in their deeds, these too bring death on themselves.

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

But I am amazed that some are so stubborn that they think repentance should not be granted to the lapsed, or that pardon should be denied to those who repent, when it is written, “Remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works,” Revelation 2:5. This is clearly said to someone who has plainly fallen, and whom the Lord urges to rise again by his works, because it is written, “Alms do deliver from death,” Tobit 4:10. This certainly does not mean from that death which the blood of Christ once destroyed, and from which the saving grace of baptism and of our Redeemer has delivered us, but from that death which afterward creeps in through sins. Also, in another place, time is given for repentance, and the Lord threatens the one who does not repent: “I have,” He says, “many things against you, because you allow your wife Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols; and I gave her time to repent, and she will not repent of her fornication. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds,” Re

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

...he prayers of others. Therefore we will pray for them, that God may grant them forgiveness of their sins. And with the others who have fallen away, but afterward turned back from their error and confessed godliness, we will have communion, remembering the struggles they endured for God's sake before their fall, and also their later worthy repentance, and that they show that because of their sin they have been, as it were, strangers to their own city. And we will not only have communion with them, but also pray for their reconciliation, along with other fitting things, including the good works they ought to do, for example, fasting, giving to the poor, and penance. By these things, he who is our Advocate makes the Father favorable toward us. Then he uses a passage from Holy Scripture, and it is taken from the first catholic epistle of the holy apostle and evangelist John.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

Therefore, O bishop, judge with authority like God, yet receive those who repent, for God is a God of mercy. Rebuke those who sin. Warn those who have not turned back. Encourage those who stand firm to continue in their goodness. Receive those who repent, for the Lord God has promised with an oath to grant forgiveness to those who repent for the wrong things they have done. For He says through Ezekiel: "Speak to them, 'As I live,' says the Lord, 'I do not desire the death of a sinner, but that the wicked turn from his evil way and live. Therefore turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?'" Ezekiel 33:11. Here the word gives hope to sinners, so that if they repent, they will have hope of salvation. Otherwise, out of despair, they might give themselves over to their transgressions. But having hope of salvation, they may be converted, and may pray to God with tears because of their sins, and may repent from their hearts, and so calm His displeasure toward them. Then they will receive pardon from Him, as from a merciful Father.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

but that, having hope of salvation, they may he converted, and may address to God with tears, on account of their sins, and may repent from their hearts, and so appease His displeasure towards them;

Origen, Commentary on John Supporting witness

Again, we eat the flesh of the Lamb, with bitter herbs, and unleavened bread, when we repent of our sins and grieve with the sorrow which is according to God, a repentance which operates for our salvation, and is not to be repented of;

Origen, Commentary on John Supporting witness

...“to repentance,” teaching that the benefit of baptism is connected with the intention of the person baptized. To him who repents it is salutary, but to him who comes to it without repentance it will turn to greater condemnation. And here we must note that the wonderful works done by the Savior in the cures He performed, which are symbolic of those who at any time are set free by the word of God from any sickness or disease, though they were done to the body and brought bodily relief, yet also called those who were benefited by them to an exercise of faith. So also the washing with water, which is symbolic of the soul cleansing herself from every stain of wickedness, is no less in itself to him who yields himself to the divine power of the invocation of the Adorable Trinity, the beginning and source of divine gifts. For there are diversities of gifts. This view receives confirmation from the narrative recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, which shows the Spirit to have descended so plainly on those who receive baptism, after the water had prepared the way for Him in those who properly approached the rite. Simon Magus, astonished at what he saw, desired to receive this gift from P

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

...erson who has received forgiveness of sins ought not to sin anymore. For besides the first and only repentance from sins, which is from the sins of the former life, the first pagan life, that is, sins done in ignorance, there is also immediately set before those who have been called a repentance that cleanses the seat of the soul from transgressions, so that faith may be firmly established. And the Lord, knowing the heart and foreknowing the future, saw beforehand both the weakness of man and the craft and cunning of the devil from the beginning. He saw how the devil, envying man because of the forgiveness of sins, would bring certain causes of sins before the servants of God, skillfully working harm so that they might fall along with him. Therefore, since He is very merciful, He has granted, in the case of those who, though in faith, fall into some transgression, a second repentance. So if anyone is tempted after being called, and is overcome by force and deceit, he may still receive a repentance that is not to be regretted. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation

Clement of Alexandria, Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved? Supporting witness

And this is to repent, to condemn the past deeds, and beg oblivion of them from the Father, who only of all is able to undo what is done, by mercy proceeding from Him, and to blot out former sins by the dew of the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 7:10 Direct teaching

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

... by human faith and divine grace, our transgressions being taken away by one Paeonian medicine, the baptism of the Word. We are washed from all our sins and are no longer entangled in evil. This is the one grace of illumination, that our characters are not the same as before our washing. And since knowledge rises up with illumination, shedding its beams around the mind, the moment we hear, we who were untaught become disciples. Does this, I ask, happen at the coming of this instruction? You cannot tell the time. For instruction leads to faith, and faith with baptism is trained by the Holy Spirit. That this faith is the one universal salvation of humanity, and that there is the same equality before the righteous and loving God, and the same fellowship between Him and all, the apostle showed most clearly when he spoke in this way: "Before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up to the faith which should afterwards be revealed, so that the law became our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith; but after that faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." Do you not hear that we are no longer under that law which came with fear, but

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

For in the sacrament of salvation the contagion of sins is not in such wise washed away, as the filth of the skin and of the body is washed away in the carnal and ordinary washing, as that there should be need of saltpetre and other appliances also, and a bath and a basin wherewith this vile body must be washed and purified.

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

...who are not born in the Church can be sons of God! For the blessed apostle declares and proves that baptism is where the old man dies and the new man is born, saying, "He saved us by the washing of regeneration," Titus 3:5. But if regeneration is in the washing, that is, in baptism, how can heresy, which is not the spouse of Christ, give birth to sons for God through Christ? For it is the Church alone which, joined and united with Christ, spiritually bears sons, as the same apostle again says, "Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify it, cleansing it with the washing of water," Ephesians 5:25-26. If, then, she is the beloved and spouse who alone is sanctified by Christ, and alone is cleansed by His washing, it is clear that heresy, which is not the spouse of Christ, and cannot be cleansed or sanctified by His washing, cannot bear sons to God.

Tertullian, On Baptism Direct teaching

...veyed nothing celestial, but served beforehand for things celestial. That is, it was appointed over repentance, which is in man's power. In fact, the doctors of the law and the Pharisees, who were unwilling to believe, did not repent either. But if repentance is a human thing, its baptism must necessarily be of the same nature. Otherwise, if it had been celestial, it would have given both the Holy Spirit and remission of sins. But no one either pardons sins or freely grants the Spirit except God only. Even the Lord Himself said that the Spirit would not descend on any other condition, except that He should first ascend to the Father, John 16:6-7. What the Lord was not yet conferring, of course the servant could not furnish. Accordingly, in the Acts of the Apostles, we find that men who had John's baptism had not received the Holy Spirit, whom they had not even known by hearing. That, then, was no celestial thing which furnished no celestial endowments. On the other hand, the very thing in John which was celestial, the Spirit of prophecy, so completely failed, after the transfer of the whole Spirit to the Lord, that he soon sent to ask whether He whom he himself had preached, who

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

Now concerning baptism, O bishop or presbyter, we have already given instruction, and now we say this: you shall baptize as the Lord commanded us, saying, “Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you,” Matthew 28:19. Baptize in the name of the Father who sent, of Christ who came, and of the Comforter who testified. But first you shall anoint the person with the holy oil, and afterward baptize him with water, and at the end you shall seal him with the ointment. In this way, the anointing with oil may be the participation of the Holy Spirit, the water the symbol of the death of Christ, and the ointment the seal of the covenants. But if there is neither oil nor ointment, water is enough for the anointing, for the seal, and for the confession of Him who is dead, or rather of the one dying together with Christ. But before baptism, let him who is to be baptized fast. For even the Lord, when He was first baptized by John and remained in the wilderness, afterward fasted forty days and forty nights. But He was baptized and then fasted, because He Himself had no nee

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

Likewise, be satisfied with one baptism only, the one into the death of the Lord; not the one given by wicked heretics, but the one given by blameless priests, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19. Do not accept what comes from the ungodly, and do not let what is done by the godly be canceled by a second baptism. For as there is one God, one Christ, one Comforter, and one death of the Lord in the body, so let the baptism into Him also be one. But those who receive polluted baptism from the ungodly will become partners in their opinions. For they are not priests. For God says to them, "Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from serving as priest to me." Nor are those baptized by them truly initiated; rather, they are polluted, receiving not the remission of sins, but the bond of impiety. Besides this, those who try to baptize people who have already been initiated crucify the Lord again, kill Him a second time, mock divine things and ridicule holy things, insult the Spirit, dishonor the sacred blood of Christ as though it were common blood, and act impiously toward Him who sent, Him who suffered, and Him who bore witn

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness

.... Further, as you are not ignorant, the Holy Spirit is found to have been given by the Lord without baptism of water to men who believe, as it is written in Acts of the Apostles in this way: “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speak in tongues, and they magnified God. Then Peter answered, ‘Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts 10:44-48 Peter also later taught us very fully about these same Gentiles, saying: “And He made no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” Acts 15:9 And so there will be no doubt that men may be baptized with the Holy Spirit without water, since you see that these were baptized before they were baptized with water. In this way, the declarations of both John and of our Lord Himself were fulfilled, since they received the grace of the promise both witho

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Background

2. Therefore, for those who begin a discussion of saving and new baptism, that is, spiritual and evangelical baptism, the first thing that comes before them is the announcement that is known everywhere, made and begun by John the Baptist. He departed somewhat from the law, that is, from the most ancient baptism of Moses, and prepared the way for the new and true grace. By the baptism of water and of repentance, which he practiced for a time, he gradually prepared the Jews to listen. He also laid hold of them by announcing a spiritual baptism that was to come, urging them and saying, "He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire," Matthew 3:11. For this reason, we also ought to begin this discussion from this point. For in the Acts of the Apostles, after His resurrection, the Lord confirmed this same word of John and commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for that promise of the Father, "which," He says, "you have heard from me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days from now," Acts 1:4-5. Peter also repeate

Tertullian, On Baptism Background

...ed from the Father? Into the Church, which His apostles had not yet founded? And so, with that same baptism of John, His disciples used to baptize as ministers, with which John had baptized before as forerunner. Let no one think it was with some other baptism, because no other exists, except that of Christ afterward. Which, at that time, of course, could not be given by His disciples, since the glory of the Lord had not yet been fully attained, nor the efficacy of the font established through the passion and the resurrection. Because neither can our death see dissolution except by the Lord's passion, nor can our life be restored without His resurrection.

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness

14. And even up to this point, that whole heretical baptism may be amended, after some time has passed, if a man should survive and amend his faith. For our God, in the Gospel according to Luke, spoke to His disciples, saying, "But I have another baptism to be baptized with" (Luke 12:50). Also, according to Mark, He said with the same purpose to the sons of Zebedee, "Are you able to drink of the cup which I drink of, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" (Mark 10:38). For He knew that those men had to be baptized not only with water, but also in their own blood. So, being well baptized in this baptism only, they might attain the sound faith and the simple love of the laver. And, baptized in both ways, they might likewise, to the same extent, attain the baptism of salvation and glory. For what was said by the Lord, "I have another baptism to be baptized with," does not mean in this place a second baptism, as if there were two baptisms. Rather, it shows that there is also a baptism of another kind given to us, concurring to the same salvation. And it was fitting that both these kinds should first of all be initiated and sanctified by our Lord Himself, so that

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness

... them. Although they were already righteous and, as we have said, had been baptized with the Lord's baptism, just as the apostles themselves had been, yet on the night when He was arrested they are found to have all deserted Him. Even Peter himself, who had boasted that he would remain firm in his faith, and had most stubbornly resisted the prediction of the Lord Himself, still at last denied Him. This was so that it might be shown to us that whatever sins they had contracted in the meantime, and in whatever way, those same sins were without doubt put away by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, since afterward their faith was shown to be sincere. Nor, as I think, was it for any other reason that the apostles charged those whom they addressed in the Holy Spirit to be baptized in the name of Christ Jesus, except that the power of the name of Jesus, invoked upon any man in baptism, might give no small advantage toward obtaining salvation for the one being baptized, as Peter says in the Acts of the Apostles: "For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved," Acts 4:12. The Apostle Paul also explains this, showing that God has exalted our Lord Jesus and

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness

so that, as well baptized in this baptism only, they might attain the sound faith and the simple love of the laver, and, baptized in both ways, they might in like manner to the same extent attain the baptism of salvation and glory.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

Man's duty, then, is obedience to God, who has proclaimed salvation manifold by the commandments.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

and the promise is the means of pursuing obedience, by which comes salvation.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

namely, that salvation is from a change due to obedience, but not from nature.

Tertullian, On Patience Supporting witness

if, that is, the art of deserving favour is obedience, while the rule of obedience is a compliant subjection: how much more does it behoove us to be found with a character in accordance with our Lord, — servants as we are of the living God, whose judgment on His servants turns not on a fetter or a cap of freedom, but on an eternity either of penalty or of salvation;

Polycarp, The Martyrdom of Polycarp Supporting witness

with whom be glory to God the Father and the Holy Spirit, for the salvation of His holy elect, after whose example the blessed Polycarp suffered, following in whose steps may we too be found in the kingdom of Jesus Christ!

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

For repentance is great wisdom. For he who has sinned understands that he acted wickedly in the sight of the Lord, and remembers the actions he has done, and he repents, and no longer acts wickedly, but does good munificently, and humbles and torments his soul because he has sinned.

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Direct teaching

for not those who make profession, but those who do the works, shall be saved, according to His word: “Not every one who saith to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.

Clement of Rome, Second Epistle (attributed) Supporting witness

Let us, therefore, work righteousness, that we may be saved to the end.

Titus 3:8 Direct teaching

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

James 2:18 Supporting witness

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

James 2:22 Supporting witness

You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;

James 2:14 Supporting witness

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?