In the mid-second century, Justin
maintained the optimistic doctrine that baptism not only brought the
forgiveness of former sins but guaranteed the ‘regeneration’ of those who
entered the water; they are born again. (Apology, chs. 61, 66) Justin’s
claims reflect the attitude (and hope) of the New Testament. (Roman Garrison, Redemptive
Almsgiving in Early Christianity [Library of New Testament Studies 77;
Sheffield: JSTO Press, 1993], 130)
