The Faith
The meaning of salvation is based on a consideration of: 1. the life and teachings of Jesus; 2. the suffering and death of Jesus; 3. the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus.
From these comes the content of salvation: 1. as knowledge; 2. as forgiveness of sins; 3. as eternal life and as deification.
From these comes the content of salvation: 1. as knowledge; 2. as forgiveness of sins; 3. as eternal life and as deification.
The Christian entered into these gifts through baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of baptism are remission of sins, deliverance from death, regeneration and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit.
The Christian participated in these gifts through the Eucharist, sharing in the true body and blood of Christ. Although the meaning of this was still obscure and there was divergence of opinion, the Church believed in the Real Presence in some sense.
These fundamental elements of the faith would serve as the lodestone guiding the Church through the treacherous waters of heresy in the centuries to come.