Duchowe i moralne implikacje chrztu według Marka Eremity

By taking up baptismal issues in his writings, Mark the Ascetic respondsto the tendencies of the Messalians, who denied the value of baptism. Pointingto the consequences of this sacrament, he emphasizes its effectivenessin terms of being freed from the consequences of Adam’s sin, as well asrestoring freedom and the ability to fulfill the commandments. He highlightsthe priority and efficacy of grace given in a secret manner in the time ofbaptism. He reminds, however, that baptism does not deprive man of freewill, but baptism can support it in fulfilling the Law of God. He also emphasizesthe mysterious indwelling of the entire Holy Trinity in the heartof the baptized, as well as its effects. For Mark the Ascetic, baptism itselfis also a “placing in the paradise of the Church”, which he understands asthe ability to perform acts of love towards brethren.