09/26/2025
Long informational post on first second and third century discipleship!
So serious question why do we practice reformed theology over the original theology?
Didn’t Paul say Galatians one that there’s only one gospel and if anyone comes preaching a different gospel than the one you first believed even an angel let that person be accursed..
The reason the reformation happened because the Catholics were abusing baptismal regeneration, and they didn’t understand the full concept of repentance as an adult in living in holiness The heresy was once your baptized you are saved. But that’s not how the first century disciples believed, and what was taught to them by Christ This is why the reformation happened . But they threw out the baby with a bath water. Reformed theology is not how the original Christians believed. 
📚 2nd–3rd Centuries: Apologists and Early Theologians
Key figures: Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, Origen
These early Christian leaders dealt with Roman persecution, heresies, and evangelism — and they continued to affirm that salvation required more than mental belief.
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🔹 What They Believed About Salvation:
✅ Baptism is essential
“We have learned from the Apostles this: there is no other way to obtain the remission of sins than through this washing [baptism].” – Justin Martyr, First Apology, ch. 61
“Baptism is the seal of faith… salvation is assured through it.” – Tertullian, On Baptism
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✅ Faith and works go together
“Those who obey Him and do His will will be saved through their faith…” – Irenaeus, Against Heresies, IV.34
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✅ Salvation is not guaranteed — apostasy is possible
“It is not enough to begin; one must also persevere.” – Clement of Alexandria
“We are not born Christians, but become Christians.” – Tertullian
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✅ Christ’s death is the source of salvation
“He gave Himself as a ransom… that by His blood, He might redeem us.” – Irenaeus
They firmly believed Jesus’ atoning death was the foundation of salvation, but it had to be received through response (faith, baptism, obedience).
What Did the Early Church Believe About Baptism?
1. Baptism = the Moment of Salvation
The early church did not separate faith, repentance, and baptism — these were seen as part of a single conversion event. Baptism was the moment God washed away sins and gave the Holy Spirit.
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📜 Writings from the 2nd & 3rd Century
🔹 Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD)
• Document: First Apology, ch. 61
• Belief: Baptism brings new birth and forgiveness of sins.
• Quote:
“As many as are persuaded and believe… are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated… For Christ also said, ‘Unless you are born again, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’”
Interpretation: Justin ties baptism directly to being born again, referencing John 3:5. It’s not just symbolic; it’s how regeneration occurs.
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🔹 Irenaeus (c. 130–202 AD)
• Document: Against Heresies, Book 1, ch. 21 & Book 3, ch. 17
• Belief: Baptism is necessary to receive the Holy Spirit and be saved.
• Quote:
“We are made clean by means of the sacred water and the invocation of the Lord.”
Interpretation: Irenaeus emphasizes that through baptism, one is cleansed and made new — not just outwardly, but spiritually.
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🔹 Tertullian (c. 160–225 AD)
• Documents: On Baptism, Prescription Against Heretics
• Belief: Baptism is essential for remission of sins and salvation.
• Quotes:
• “Without baptism, salvation is impossible.”
• “Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free…”
Interpretation: Tertullian taught baptism was how one is freed from sin and reborn. He even argued infants should not be baptized too hastily, not because it wasn’t important, but because it was so essential.
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🔹 Hippolytus (c. 170–235 AD)
• Document: Apostolic Tradition
• Belief: Catechumens (baptismal candidates) were carefully prepared before being baptized — because it was the moment of new life and cleansing from sin.
Practice Note: Baptism involved:
• Renouncing Satan
• Professing faith in the Trinity
• Full immersion (usually)
• Prayer for the Holy Spirit
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🔹 Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD)
• Document: Letters, esp. Letter 72
• Belief: Baptism is how one is spiritually reborn and becomes a Christian.
• Quote:
“He cannot have God as his Father who has not the Church for his mother… one is not born by the imposition of hands when he has not first been born of the womb of the Church through baptism.”
Interpretation: For Cyprian, baptism was absolutely necessary — it was the birth into spiritual life.
