LITERATURE OF GNOSTIC WISDOM 289
BAPTISM AND DEATH
By perfecting the water of baptism,
Jesus emptied it of death.
We go into the water but not into death,
so we are not poured out into the wind of the world.^75
Whenever that wind blows, winter comes.
When the holy spirit breathes, summer blows in.KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE
Whoever has knowledge of the truth is a free being,
but the free human doesn't sin.
"Whoever sins is the slave of sin."^76
Truth is the mother, knowledge the father.
Those who think that sinning does not apply to them
are called free by the world.
Knowledge of the truth can make one arrogant,
giving meaning to the words "being free."
It makes them feel superior to the world.
But love builds up.^77
Who is really free through knowledge
is a slave because of love for those
who have not yet attained the freedom of knowledge.
Knowledge makes them capable of freedom.
Love never calls something its own,
yet it too may possess the same thing.
Love never says, "This is mine," or "That is mine,"
but "All these are yours."SPIRITUAL FRAGRANCE
Spiritual love is wine and fragrance.
Those nearby also enjoy it- These are baptismal themes.
- John 8:34.
77.1 Corinthians 8:1.