Tertullian: Treatises on Penance - On Penitence and On Purity (Ancient Christian Writers)

Top Highlights

“Christians, however, understand that it is sin which makes repentance necessary and gives it meaning. Repentance supposes the reprobation of one’s evil deeds and an amendment of life; it is motivated by fear of God; it is required by the divine justice; it effects the forgiveness of sins and, thus, has salvation as its fruit (c. 2). Repentance is demanded for all sins, external and internal alike (c. 3). God Himself commands it and He has also promised to reward it (c. 4).” (Page 10)

“Therefore it must not be performed solely within one’s conscience but it must also be shown forth in some external act” (Page 31)

“We are not baptized so that we may cease committing sin but because we have ceased” (Page 26)

“never again, however, because the last time was in vain” (Page 29)