HermasTeaches: Baptism is regeneration and illumination
fl. c. 140 AD · Shepherd, Parable 9.16
For before a person bears the name of the Son of God, he says, that person is dead; but when he receives the seal, he puts away the deadness and takes up life. The seal, then, is the water: into the water the dead go down, and they come up living.
Justin MartyrTeaches: Baptism is regeneration and illumination
c. 100–c. 165 AD · First Apology 61
As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and who undertake to be able to live accordingly, are taught to pray and ask God with fasting for the forgiveness of their past sins, while we pray and fast with them.
We were not called children and infants for a childish, contemptible lesson. Regenerated, we have at once received the perfect — which is why we were hurrying. For we were illuminated; and that means to know God.