Against Julian 1.6.21

Saint John of Constantinople denies that there is original sin in infants. In the homily he gave about those who had been baptized, he says:

“Blessed is God, who alone has done wonders (Psalm 72:18), who made everything and transforms everything. Look: those who were captives a little while ago now enjoy the peace of freedom. Those who wandered as strangers are now citizens of the church (Ephesians 2:19). Those who were in the confusion of sin now share in righteousness. They are not only free, but holy; not only holy, but righteous; not only righteous, but sons; not only sons, but heirs; not only heirs, but Christ’s brothers; not only Christ’s brothers, but fellow heirs (Romans 8:15–17); not only fellow heirs, but members of his body (1 Corinthians 12:27); not only members, but a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19); not only a temple, but instruments of the Spirit.

“You see how many gifts baptism gives. Some people think that heavenly grace consists only in the forgiveness of sins. We, however, have counted ten honors. This is why we baptize infants too, although they are not stained by sin: so that holiness, righteousness, adoption, inheritance, and brotherhood with Christ may be added to them, and so that they may be his members.”