Chapter XXIX: Section VIII: Gnostic Redemption

There is one feature of the Gnostic scheme common to almost every variety of the Gnostics, which was reserved for a separate detail; and which Irenæus introduces immediately after the account of the Marcosian heresy, having probably been able to obtain a more perfect account of their views on that subject, than of those of any other sect. That feature is their ordinance of _Redemption_(722); which was in fact the initiating rite of their perfect adepts(723), and without denying baptism, threw it into the back ground, and thus virtually annulled it(724). The professed object of this rite was the regeneration of those who underwent it, preparatory to their entering into the Fulness(725). The outward form of it was various, according to the fancy of the mystagogue(726). Some celebrated it as a marriage; others made it a baptism in water, with varying forms of words(727); others again poured a mixture of oil and water upon the head of the person who received it; whilst some declared, that the blessing being purely spiritual, all outward signs were unavailing and impertinent; that knowledge was in fact redemption, and that those, and those alone, who were perfect in knowledge were partakers of it(728).

In most cases the Redemption was effected during the lifetime of those who were made partakers of it; but the dead were not excluded. The rite was administered immediately after death.

In all cases the effect of it was to enable the initiated to escape the power of the Creator and his angels, and, leaving their souls behind them, to enter into the Fulness(729).