КРЕЩЕНИЕ

Sins committed after [Baptism] become twice and four times more serious. Why? Because, having received honor, we are ungrateful and evil. That is why the font [of Baptism] does not make our punishment any easier. Note: whether someone had serious sins (before Baptism), or committed, for example, murder, or adultery, or did something else, even more serious, - all this is forgiven through the font of Baptism. In fact, no, truly there is no sin and wickedness that would not be inferior to this gift and would not be lower than it, because it is divine grace. But if someone again falls into adultery and commits murder, then, although the previous adultery is permitted and that murder is forgiven and is no longer remembered, since “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29), nevertheless, for these sins committed after Baptism, we are subject to the same punishment as if the previous ones were taken into account, and even much more. This is no longer just a sin, but a double and triple sin. And what greater condemnation (expects) for these sins - listen to what Paul says: “If he who rejects the law of Moses, in the presence of two or three witnesses, is punished without mercy with death, then how much more severe punishment do you think will be guilty of the one who tramples on the Son of God and does not consider as holy the Blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and insults the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:28, 29). Perhaps I have now distracted many from receiving Baptism? But I said this not for this purpose, but so that those who accepted [Baptism] would remain in chastity and actively lead an honest life. But I'm afraid, will anyone say? If you were afraid, you would accept it and keep it. But that’s why, you say, I don’t accept it, because I’m afraid [of not saving]? And so [without Baptism] you’re not afraid to leave? God, would you say, is humane? That is why accept Baptism, because He is philanthropic and helps us. But you, when you need to take care [of Baptism], cannot imagine this love for mankind; and when you want to put it aside, then you remember about it, while this love of humanity takes place in the first case, and it will be manifested to us especially when we, on our part, bring in what follows. He who relies on God in everything, even if he sins, as is typical for a person after Baptism, through repentance, he will be rewarded with love for mankind; and whoever, as if philosophizing about God’s love for mankind, departs [from here] alien to grace, will undergo inevitable punishment. Why are you doing this against your salvation? It is impossible, absolutely impossible, as I at least think, for a person who puts off [Baptism], deluding himself with such hopes, to do anything sublime and good. Why do you take on such fear and hide behind the uncertainty of the future? Why don’t you change this fear into work and effort in order to become great and worthy of wonder? What is better - to be afraid or to work? If someone sat you down with nothing to do in a crumbling house and said: “Expect that the ceiling may fall on your head, since it has already rotted (maybe it will fall, maybe it won’t fall); if you don’t want this, then work and live in a safer building,” then what would you prefer? Is it idleness combined with fear, or is this labor combined with confidence in safety? Do the same now. The unknown future is like some decayed house, always threatening to fall; and this labor, combined with fatigue, promises safety. So, God forbid that we should be subjected to such a great misfortune - to sin after the font. But even if something like this happened, then even under such circumstances we will not despair. God loves mankind and has provided us with many ways to receive forgiveness after [baptism]. And just as those who sin after the font, for this very reason, are punished more than the catechumens, so those who know that there is a medicine of repentance and do not want to use it will be subjected to the most severe punishment, because the more God’s love for mankind increases, the more the punishment increases if we do not use it properly (10). Baptism not only has the power to atone for past sins, but also protects against future ones. And just as you brought faith to atone for previous sins, so in order not to be defiled by sins again after Baptism, you must detect a change in zeal (11). You might be interested in: