43. THE QUESTION WAS:
St.
Augustine said that baptism, prayer and penance were three ways in which:
a. sins were forgiven
b. we could demonstrate we are Christians
ANSWER:
A
sins were forgiven St. Augustine
wrote:
.In the Church, therefore, there are three ways in which sins are
forgiven: in baptisms, in prayer, and in the greater humility of penance."
Here is the full quote: "When you shall have been baptized, keep
to a good life in the commandments of God so that you may preserve your baptism
to the very end. I do not tell you that you will live here without sin, but
they are venial sins which this life is never without. Baptism was instituted
for all sins. For light sins, without which we cannot live, prayer was
instituted....But
do not commit those sins on account of which you would have to be separated
from the body of Christ. Perish the thought! For those whom you see doing
penance have committed crimes, either adultery or some other enormities. That
is why they are doing penance. If their sins were light, daily prayer would
suffice to blot them out....In the Church, therefore, there are three ways in
which sins are forgiven: in baptisms, in prayer, and in the greater humility of
penance." (Sermon to Catechumens on the Creed 7:15; 8:16).
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