The Lord withdraws when He is denied, and what is taken by the undeserving does not avail them unto salvation, since the saving grace is turned into ashes and holiness departs.
CyprianRead
Whereas there can be but one Baptism, they think they can Baptize; they have abandoned the fountain of life, yet promise the life and grace of the waters of salvation. It is not cleansing which men find there, but soiling; their sins are not washed away, but only added to. That being "born again" does not bring forth sons to God but to the Devil. Born of a lie, they cannot inherit the things which Truth has promised; begotten by the faithless, they are deprived of the grace of faith.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes false religious practices that promise salvation but lead people away from true purity and faith.
In this quote, Cyprian condemns the actions of those who perform baptisms without genuine understanding or faith, arguing that such acts do not cleanse sin but rather add to it. He highlights the importance of a true spiritual rebirth, emphasizing that those who are misled by false teachings cannot inherit the promises of Truth, but instead are caught in a cycle of deceit and corruption, ultimately serving the Devil rather than God.
Themes
BaptismFaithDeceptionTruthSalvationSinRebirth
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the importance of genuine faith versus superficial practices.
More from Cyprian
All quotes →In proportion to the size of the vessel of faith, brought by us to the Lord, is the measure we draw out of His overflowing grace.
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None of us offers resistance when he is seized, or avenges himself for your unjust violence, although our people are numerous and plentiful...it is not lawful for us to hate, and so we please God more when we render no requital for injury...we repay your hatred with kindness.
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