ACC ~ Mark 10 v14

WHETHER REMISSION IS GRANTED TO CHILDREN WHO AFTERWARD BELIEVE

CYPRIAN: Even to the foulest offenders, when they afterward believe, remission of sin is granted. [1] On this premise no one is prohibited from baptism and grace. [2] How much more should an infant be admitted, who, just born, has not sinned in any respect, except that, being born of the flesh according to Adam, has in his first birth contracted the contagion of the ancient deadly nature. [3] Would not such a child obtain remission of sins with the less difficulty, because not his own actual guilt, but that of another, is to be remitted? Our sentence therefore, dearest brother, in the Council [4] was that none by us should be prohibited from baptism and the grace of God, who is merciful and kind to all. [5] LETTER 58. [6]

[1] Cf. Acts 10:43.

[2] Cf. Mk 16:16; 1 Cor 12:13.

[3] Cf. Rom 5:12.

[4] Council of Carthage, A.D. 254.

[5] Acts 2:38-39.

[6] Cetedoc 0433, 62A.9.16.7; Ad Fidum 5-6; GMI 239; ANF 5:354.

WHEN THE RECEPTION OF GRACE BEGINS

BASIL: The apostle praised one [Timothy] who had known the holy Scripture from infancy. [1] He also instructed that children be reared “in the discipline and correction of the Lord.” [2] So we consider every time of life, even the very earliest, suitable for receiving persons into the community of faith. THE LONG RULES 15. [3]

[1] 2 Tim 3:15.

[2] Eph 6:4.

[3] FC 9:264*; TLG 2040.048, 31.952.13-18.