We believe that there is only one path of salvation, namely baptism.
No catechumen — even if he has died in good works — is held to possess eternal
life, except in martyrdom, where the whole sacrament(s) of baptism are
fulfilled. The one to be baptized confesses his faith before the priest and,
when questioned, replies; the martyr does the same before the persecutor — he
too confesses his faith and, when questioned, answers. After the confession the
one is either sprinkled with water or dipped; the martyr, however, is either
sprinkled with his blood or touched by fire. The one receives the Holy Spirit
by the imposition of the bishop’s hands; the martyr becomes a dwelling of the
Holy Spirit, for it is not he himself who speaks but the Spirit of the Father who
speaks in him. The one shares in the Eucharist in remembrance of the Lord’s
death; the martyr himself is commemorated in Christ. The one professes that he
will renounce the deeds of the world; the martyr actually renounces life. To
the former all sins are forgiven; in the latter they are altogether
extinguished (Gennadius, De Ecclesiasticis Dogmatibus Liber, chapter 74 [PL
58:997])
