Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. II:
On Christian Doctrine: Chapter 17

p. 527

Chapter 17.—Christ, by Forgiving Our Sins, Opened the Way to Our Home.

16.  Further, when we are on the way, and that not a way that lies through space, but through a change of affections, and one which the guilt of our past sins like a hedge of thorns barred against us, what could He, who was willing to lay Himself down as the way by which we should return, do that would be still gracious and more merciful, except to forgive us all our sins, and by being crucified for us to remove the stern decrees that barred the door against our return?