Christian Piety and Pardon: The Vindication of Post-Baptismal Sins.

• Main Author: Joel Mokhoathi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Africajournals 2018-01-01
• Series: Pharos Journal of Theology
• Subjects: Forgiveness; Justification; Holiness; Post-baptismal sins; Christianity
• Online Access: https://www.pharosjot.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_10_vol_99__2018__-mokoathi__ufs.pdf

The Christian dogma of justification does not appear to adequately address the problem of post-baptismal sins. It offers no practical guidelines on how believers ought to seek or receive pardon for their post-baptismal sins. This is firstly complicated by the fact that the Bible does not seem to offer a consistent interpretation regarding the vindication of post-baptismal sins. Secondly, the apostles seem to have held different notions regarding the vindication of postbaptismal sins. And thirdly, the Christian Church is also divided in her understanding of justification and forgiveness for post-baptismal sins. This lack of consensus appears to have greatly influenced the position of early Christians and caused some divisions within the Body of Christ – Protestantism against Catholicism. This paper critically examines the vindication of post-baptismal sins in relation to the Christian directive to holiness, and advocates for a central view in which the issue of post-baptismal sins may be engaged.