--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This, the Christians believed, was God’s…" description: "\"“This, the Christians believed, was God’s work and not theirs. So they did not engage in frantic action to save those who were not baptized; instead th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/123/alan-kreider-21061_christianity_this-the-christians-believed-was-god-s-w_192745.jpg" --- # This, the Christians believed, was God’s work and not… ![“This, the Christians believed, was God’s work and not theirs. So they did not engage in frantic action to save those who were not baptized; instead they entrusted the outsiders to God. The church, patiently, also entrusted itself to God, who would bring people into “the community of saints…” quote by Alan Kreider](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/123/alan-kreider-21061_christianity_this-the-christians-believed-was-god-s-w_192745.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/123/alan-kreider-21061_christianity_this-the-christians-believed-was-god-s-w_192745.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/123/alan-kreider-21061_christianity_this-the-christians-believed-was-god-s-w_192745.jpg) > ““This, the Christians believed, was God’s work and not theirs. So they did not engage in frantic action to save those who were not baptized; instead they entrusted the outsiders to God. The church, patiently, also entrusted itself to God, who would bring people into “the community of saints participating in truth” by the arduous means of catechesis and baptism.”” [Alan Kreider](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-kreider/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The church historically delegated responsibility for non‑baptized individuals to divine providence, emphasizing patient spiritual formation over immediate activism. **In simple terms:** Church relied on God for others’ salvation. Key Takeaway Recognize limits of human action. Themes faith patience mission Mood thoughtful critical Type theological analytical When to use this quote - mission work - education - community building - interfaith dialogue Key Concepts theology spiritual formation Questions to Reflect On - Is patient spiritual work enough today? - How can faith inspire active service? 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