Early Christian Beliefs About Repentance

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

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.

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

For being desirous of promoting our life and salvation in accordance with His own goodness, in that circumcision He has set before us repentance, that if we lay open our hearts — that is if we confess our sins and make satisfaction to God — we shall obtain pardon, which is denied to those who are obstinate and conceal their faults, by Him who regards not the outward appearance, as man does, but the innermost secrets of the heart.

Lactantius, The Epitome of the Divine Institutes Direct teaching

Therefore the last remedy is this, that we have recourse to repentance, which has not the least place among the virtues, because it is a correction of oneself;

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

But to repent is nothing else than to profess and to affirm that one will sin no more.

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

and on this account the Greeks better and more significantly speak of metanoia, which we may speak of in Latin as a return to a right understanding.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

For though fear beget pain, I rejoice, he says, not that you were made sorry, but that you showed susceptibility to repentance.

Hippolytus, Discourse on the Holy Theophany Direct teaching

...aptize me, the Baptist, that Your pre-eminence may be known. I, O Lord, baptize with the baptism of repentance, and I cannot baptize those who come to me unless they first confess fully their sins. Be it so then that I baptize You. What have You to confess? You are the Remover of sins, and will You be baptized with the baptism of repentance? Though I should venture to baptize You, the Jordan dares not come near You. I have need to be baptized by You, and You come to me?"

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

Origen, Commentary on John Direct teaching

...“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

Origen, Commentary on John Direct teaching

...rias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the region around the Jordan preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” Luke, however, adds the continuation of the prophecy: “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough ways smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” He writes, like Mark, “Make His ways straight,” shortening, as we saw before, the text, “Make straight the ways of our God.” In the phrase, “And all the crooked shall become straight,” he leaves out the word “all,” and changes the word “straight” from plural to singular. Also, instead of the phrase, “The rough land into a plain,” he gives, “The rough ways into smooth ways.” And he leaves out, “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,” and gives what follows, “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” These observations are useful because they show how the evangelists are accustomed to shorten the sayings of the prophets. It must al

Tertullian, On Baptism Direct teaching

...her 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, whom he had pointed out when coming to him, were HE. And so the baptism of repentance, Acts 19:4, was treated as if it were a candidate for the remission and sanctification soon about to follow in Christ. For when John used to preach baptism for the remission of sins, Mark 1:4, the declaration was made with reference to future remission. For it is true, as it is, that repentance is first, remission follows after; and this is preparing the way, Luke 1:76. But he who prepares does not himself perfect. He procures for another to perfect. John himself declares that the celestial things are not his, but Christ's, by saying, "He who is from the earth speaks concerning the earth; He who comes from the realms above is above all;" and again by saying that he baptized in repentance only, but that One would soon come who would baptize in the Spirit and fire. Of course this is because true and stable faith is baptized with water, to salvation; pretended and weak faith is bapti

Hippolytus, Discourse on the Holy Theophany Direct teaching

I, O Lord, baptize with the baptism of repentance, and I cannot baptize those who come to me unless they first confess fully their sins.

Hippolytus, Discourse on the Holy Theophany Supporting witness

I baptize with the baptism of repentance, but He confers the gift of adoption: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness

Luke 3:3 And he came into all the region which is about Jordan, proclaiming the 40 baptism of repentance unto the forgiveness of sins.

Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness

Luke 24:47 and that repentance unto the forgiveness of sins be preached 12 in his name among all the peoples;

Acts 19:4 Supporting witness

Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

Mark 1:4 Supporting witness

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Luke 24:47 Supporting witness

and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

...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, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

...d forgiveness of sins once. But if someone sins after this, then even if he receives pardon when he repents, he ought to be afraid, because he is no longer being washed for the forgiveness of sins. For the one who has been born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, John 1:13, but in the Spirit, must give up not only the idols he once treated as gods, but also the deeds of his former life. This new birth consists in repenting by not falling into the same fault again. For repeated repentance, and an easy readiness to change because of lack of training, is really the practice of sinning again. So, asking forgiveness again and again for the things in which we often sin is only the appearance of repentance, not repentance itself. But, as Scripture says, “The righteousness of the blameless cuts straight paths,” Proverbs 11:5. And again, “The righteousness of the innocent will make his way right,” Proverbs 13:6. No, “as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.” David writes, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy,” that is, those who confess with repentance. For “blessed are all those who fear the Lord.” You see the matching blessing in the G

Tertullian, On Modesty Direct teaching

without prejudice to that species of repentance after believing, which either, for lighter sins, will be able to obtain pardon from the bishop, or else, for greater and irremissible ones, from God only.

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

For, as in smaller sins which are not committed against God, penitence may be fulfilled in a set time, and confession may be made with investigation of the life of him who fulfils the penitence, and no one can come to communion unless the hands of the bishop and clergy be first imposed upon him;

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

Now he who sins after his baptism, unless he repent and forsake his sins, shall be condemned to hell-fire.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...those who have not sinned, so that they may remain innocent; and those who do sin, so that they may repent. For the Lord says this to you: "Take heed that you do not offend one of these little ones" in Matthew 18:10. It is also your duty to grant forgiveness to those who repent. For as soon as someone who has sinned says with sincere heart, "I have sinned against the Lord," the Holy Spirit answers, "The Lord also has forgiven your sin; be of good cheer, you shall not die." Therefore, bishop, understand the dignity of your office. As you have received the power of binding, so you have also received the power of loosing. Since you have the power of loosing, know yourself, and conduct yourself in this world in a way that fits your office, knowing that you must give a great account. For to those whom, as the Scripture says, men have entrusted much, they will require the more, in Luke 12:48. For no man is free from sin, except Him who was made man for us. For it is written, "No man is pure from filthiness, no, not even if his life is only one day long." For this reason, the lives and conduct of the ancient holy men and patriarchs are described, not so that we may reproach them when w

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

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.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

29. I entreat you, beloved brethren, that each one should confess his own sin, while he who has sinned is still in this world, while his confession may be received, while the satisfaction and remission made by the priests are pleasing to the Lord.

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

For after you have made known to them these words which my Lord has commanded me to reveal to you, then shall they be forgiven all the sins which in former times they committed, and forgiveness will be granted to all the saints who have sinned even to the present day, if they repent with all their heart, and drive all doubts from their minds.

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Direct teaching

...y do anything against right reason. We, both men and angels, will be proven guilty of sin unless we repent beforehand. If the word of God predicts that some angels and people will definitely be punished, it is because it foreknows they will be unchangeably wicked, not because God made them that way. Therefore, if they repent, all who desire it can receive mercy from God: and Scripture declares that they will be blessed, saying, 'Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute sin;' meaning, after he has repented of his sins so that he may receive forgiveness from God. Not like some of you deceive yourselves, and others like you, by saying that even as sinners, knowing God will mean that the Lord will not charge them with sin. We have evidence in the single failing of David, which occurred due to his pride, and he was forgiven when he mourned and wept, as it is written. If even such a man was not granted forgiveness without repentance, and only after this great king, anointed one, and prophet mourned and humbled himself, how can those who are impure and utterly lost, expect that the Lord will not count their sin if they do not weep, mourn, and repent? This one failing of Davi

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

...assions that were produced by bodily desire. For there is, so to speak, at the end of life a sudden repentance in action, and a true confession toward Christ, in the testimony of the voice. But if the Spirit of the Father bears witness in us, how can we still be hypocrites, who are said to bear testimony with the voice alone? But it will be given to some, if it is expedient, to make a defense, so that by their witness and confession all may be benefited: those in the Church being confirmed, and those of the heathen who have devoted themselves to the search for salvation wondering and being led to the faith, and the rest being seized with amazement. So confession is by all means necessary. For it is in our power. But to make a defense for our faith is not universally necessary. For that does not depend on us. But he that endures to the end shall be saved. For who among those who are wise would not choose to reign in God, and even to serve? So some confess that they know God, according to the apostle. “But in works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and reprobate to every good work.” Titus 1:16. And these, though they confess nothing but this, will have done at the e

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

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Direct teaching

...God to many people who had not received grace to know that your nation was called to conversion and repentance of spirit, while they were sinful and suffering from spiritual disease; and that the prophecy announced after Moses's death is everlasting. This is mentioned in the Psalm, my friends. And it is clear that we, who have been made wise by them, confess that the statutes of the Lord are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb, because even when threatened with death, we do not deny His name. Moreover, it is evident to all that we who believe in Him pray to be kept by Him from foreign, that is, wicked and deceitful, spirits, as the word of prophecy figuratively declares by personifying a believer. For we continually beseech God through Jesus Christ to preserve us from the demons opposed to the worship of God, whom we once served long ago, so that, after our conversion by Him to God, we may be blameless. We call Him Helper and Redeemer, whose name even the demons fear; and today, when they are exorcised in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified under Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, they are defeated. It is thus clear to all that His Father has given Him such great power, by whic

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

... living with her. But if the husband knows that his wife has gone astray, and if the woman does not repent, but persists in her fornication, and yet the husband continues to live with her, he also is guilty of her crime, and a sharer in her adultery." And I said to him, "What then, sir, is the husband to do, if his wife continues in her vicious practices?" And he said, "The husband should put her away, and remain by himself. But if he puts his wife away and marries another, he also commits adultery." And I said to him, "What if the woman who was put away should repent, and wish to return to her husband? Shall she not be taken back by her husband?" And he said to me, "Assuredly. If the husband does not take her back, he sins, and brings a great sin upon himself. For he ought to take back the sinner who has repented. But not frequently. For there is but one repentance for the servants of God. In case, therefore, that the divorced wife may repent, the husband ought not to marry another, when his wife has been put away. In this matter man and woman are to be treated exactly in the same way. Moreover, adultery is committed not only by those who pollute their flesh, but by those who i

Anonymous, Treatise Against the Heretic Novatian Direct teaching

let us give our full confession, since the powers of heaven rejoice over our repentance, all the angels rejoice, and Christ also rejoices, who once again with full and merciful moderation exhorts us, laden with sins, overwhelmed with crimes, to cease from wickedness, saying, Turn, and return from your impieties, and your iniquities shall not be to you for a punishment.

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

...ty of heart, you and your children and your house. Walk in my commands that I command you, and your repentance will be deep and pure. And if you and your household keep these things, every affliction will leave you." And he added, "Affliction will also leave all who walk in these commands of mine."

Tertullian, On Modesty Direct teaching

...judge those who are without?” But you remit, in order that remission may be granted you by God. The sins which are cleansed in this way are such as a man may have committed against his brother, not against God. We profess, in short, in our prayer, that we will grant remission to our debtors. But it is not fitting to stretch farther, on the authority of such Scriptures, the cable of contention with alternate pulling into diverse directions, so that one Scripture may seem to draw tight, another to relax, the reins of discipline — in uncertainty, as it were — and the latter to debase the remedial aid of repentance through lenity, the former to refuse it through austerity. Further, the authority of Scripture will stand within its own limits, without reciprocal opposition. The remedial aid of repentance is determined by its own conditions, without unlimited concession. And the causes of it themselves are distinguished beforehand without confusion in the proposition. We agree that the causes of repentance are sins. These we divide into two issues: some are remissible, some irremissible. Accordingly, it will be doubtful to no one that some deserve chastisement, some condemnation. Every

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Direct teaching

...sion of God through the 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.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Direct teaching

But as for those who have suffered none of these things, and have shown no fruit of faith., but of their own accord have gone over to wickedness, being betrayed by fear and cowardice, and now come to repentance, it is necessary and convenient to propose the parable of the unfruitful fig-tree, as the Lord says: A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard;

Origen, Commentary on John Direct teaching

Another point is, that to the Pharisees and Sadducees he says, Bring forth a fruit, in the singular, worthy of repentance, but to the multitudes he uses the plural, Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance.

Origen, Commentary on John Direct teaching

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance. This is what the Baptist says in Matthew, when he sees many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, without, it is clear, having the fruits of repentance, and pharisaically boasting in themselves that they had Abraham for their father.