Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

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And if thou wilt be convinced of this very point, that the baptism of John is a redemption from the threat of the fire, hear how he says, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come[8]? Be not then henceforth a viper, but as thou hast been formerly a viper's brood, put off, saith he, the slough[9] of thy former sinful life. For every serpent creeps into a hole and casts its old slough, and having rubbed off the old skin, grows young again in body. In like manner enter thou also through the strait and narrow gate[1]: rub off thy former self by fasting, and drive out that which is destroying thee. Put off the old man with his doings[2], and quote that saying in the Canticles, I have put off my coat, how shall I put it on[3]? Catechetical Lectures Of Our Holy Father, Cyril, Archbishop Of Jerusalem - Lecture 3. On Baptism