The Shepherd of Hermas

I will yet, sir, said I, continue to ask.[*](Repentance for sin after baptism) Say on, said he. I have heard, sir, said I, from some teachers[*](Possibly a reference to Heb. 6, 4 ff.) that there is no second repentance beyond the one given when we went down into the water and received remission of our former sins.

He said to me, You have heard correctly, for that is so. For he who has received remission of sin ought never to sin again, but to live in purity.

But since you ask accurately concerning all things, I will explain this also to you without giving an excuse to those who in the future shall believe or to

For those, then, who were called before these days, did the Lord appoint repentance, for the Lord knows the heart, and knowing all things beforehand he knew the weakness of man and the subtlety of the devil, that he will do some evil to the servants of God, and will do them mischief.

The Lord, therefore, being merciful, had mercy on his creation, and established this repentance, and to me was the control of this repentance given.

But I tell you, said he, after that great and holy calling, if a man be tempted by the devil and sin, he has one repentance, but if he sin and repent repeatedly it is unprofitable for such a man, for scarcely shall he live.

I said to him, I attained life when I heard these things thus accurately from you, for I know that if I do not again add to my sins I shall be saved. You shall be saved, said he, and all who do these things.