St. Cyril of Jerusalem says, “If any man receive not Baptism, he has not salvation; except only Martyrs, who even without the water receive the kingdom. For when the Savior, in redeeming the world by His Cross, was pierced in the side, He shed forth blood and water; that men, living in times of peace, might be baptized in water, and, in times of persecution, in their own blood. For martyrdom also the Savior is wont to call a baptism, saying, ‘Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ (Mark 10:38).”1382
1382 St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures 3.10 (NPNF II/7:16).
The Fathers cited
- St. Cyril of Jerusalem