The Shepherd of Hermas

Hermas

Hermas. The Apostolic Fathers with an English translation by Kirsopp Lake. In Two Volumes. Vol. II. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1913

After you have made known these words to them, which the

Master commanded me to reveal to you, all the sins which they have formerly committed shall be forgiven them, and they shall be forgiven to all the saints who have sinned up to this day,[*](This is the main point of the Shepherd. The primitive teaching was that for sin after baptism no repentance is possible (cf. Heb. vi.). Hermas now states that it has been revealed to him that up to this day, i.e. the time of his revelation, sin will be forgiven to the repentant. But this offer of forgiveness will not be made a second time.) if they repent with their whole heart, and put aside double-mindedness from their heart.

For the Master has sworn to his elect by his glory that if there be still sin after this day has been fixed, they shall find no salvation; for repentance for the just has an end; the days of repentance have been fulfilled for all the saints, but for the heathen repentance is open until the last day.

You shall say, then, to the leaders of the Church, that they reform their ways in righteousness, to receive in full the promises with great glory.