He claims that Rome shares in the same humiliations as Corinth. Therefore, he sends them lettuce.
Let us give up vain and fruitless cares.
Let us look steadfastly to the blood of Christ.
Let us turn to every age that has passed and learn that the Lord has granted a place of repentance to all who would be converted to him.
There's that wonderful song by Jeremy Camp, "Let It Fade." Let this old life crumble, let it fade. Let this new life offered be your saving grace. Move on from your past and enjoy your new life in Christ that only he can give. Noah preached repentance and entered the ark. Jonah preached to Nineveh. They believed and God saved them.
Then, citing Ezekiel 18:30; 33:11, and recounting Isaiah 1:16-20, Clem reminds us that though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. God has called his followers to repentance. When you are surrounded by unjustified envious rage, remember, that you too were saved from such wrath and turn to God in repentance.
Let us yield obedience to His excellent and glorious will.
Notice, to obey, we simply have to yield. Bask in God's sunshine. His will changes us.
Let us contemplate those who have perfectly ministered to His excellent glory.
Enoch preached righteousness and did not have to die.
Noah preached repentance and entered the ark.
Abraham was found faithful because he obeyed God in leaving his country for unknown territory, and he sacrificed Isaac on the alter before God stopped him. God had enacted Christ's crucifixion and resurrection by providing a Ram in Isaac's place. This was how the Old Testament people believed the Gospel.
Knowing that Clement's time was no different than today, it is encouraging to read his words and to know that the time of Nero, martyrdom, and the temple's destruction did come to an end and Christianity enjoyed peace for the next millennium. Now that oppression is back, we only have to look to Christ's return, the only thing that really matters in life.
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