Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series II/Volume XI/John Cassian/Conferences of John Cassian, Part III/Conference XXI/Chapter 31

Chapter XXXI.

A question, how we ought to understand the Apostle&#8217;s words: &#8220;Sin shall not have dominion over you.&#8221;

saying of the Apostle, which promises freedom from care not only to monks but to all Christians in general, cannot lead us wrong, it seems to us somewhat obscure. For whereas he maintains that all those who believe the gospel are at liberty and free from the yoke and dominion of sin, how is it that the dominion of sin holds vigorous sway over almost all the baptized, in accordance with the Lord&#8217;s words, where He says: &#8220;Every one that doeth sin is the servant of sin&#8221;?
 * Because this