Thursday, July 24, 2025

Theodoret of Cyrus (393-457) Teaching Baptismal Regeneration in his Commentary on Romans

  

6:4. Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. The very sacrament of baptism has taught thee to fly from sin, for baptism carries in it the representation of our Lord’s death, for in that thou hast communicated both in the death and in the resurrection of Christ. It becomes thee therefore to lead a new life, as it were, and one suited to Him in whose resurrection thou hast partaken. (Theodoret of Cyrus, “Commentary on Romans,” in Early Commentaries on Romans: Augustine of Hippo and Theodoret of Cyrus [trans. John Litteral; Litteral Truth Publishing, 2019], 90)

 

 

8:30. Moreover whom He did predestinate them He also called; and whom He called them HE also justified; and whom He justified them He also glorified. Those who (suitable) disposition he had foreknown, those in the beginning He predestinated; and predestinating also called; and calling, justified by baptism; and justifying, glorified by designating them sons, and endowing them with the grace of the Holy Spirit. (Theodoret of Cyrus, “Commentary on Romans,” in Early Commentaries on Romans: Augustine of Hippo and Theodoret of Cyrus [trans. John Litteral; Litteral Truth Publishing, 2019], 117, emphasis added)