Abd_Yesua_alMasih
Puritan Board Junior
*If this is not the right forum then move it*
Did Clement of Rome hold to the Doctrines of Grace as far as we know? I have heard debate over this and I like his writing so it would be good if this could be sorted out.
Chapter 32 of 1st Clement says after talking about Abraham and his faith, "...And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
But then it has been pointed out to me a few paragraphs before in Chapter 30 he says, "Let us cleave, then, to those to whom grace has been given by God. Let us clothe ourselves with concord and humility, ever exercising self-control, standing far off from all whispering and evil-speaking, being justified by our works, and not our words." (bold type my own). These two sentences seem to contradict themselves at first. They say 1) God gives grace 2) we justify ourselves by works. Is the term 'justified' being used in a different manner from Paul? Clement also says that good works are done in faith but he does not say they save someone. Could this be a bit like James and other New Testament writers when they say we must have works fitting of repentence? ie. Clement is saying we 'prove' ourselves Christian by our works and not just our words (sorry can't think of a better word).
Did Clement of Rome hold to the Doctrines of Grace as far as we know? I have heard debate over this and I like his writing so it would be good if this could be sorted out.
Chapter 32 of 1st Clement says after talking about Abraham and his faith, "...And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
But then it has been pointed out to me a few paragraphs before in Chapter 30 he says, "Let us cleave, then, to those to whom grace has been given by God. Let us clothe ourselves with concord and humility, ever exercising self-control, standing far off from all whispering and evil-speaking, being justified by our works, and not our words." (bold type my own). These two sentences seem to contradict themselves at first. They say 1) God gives grace 2) we justify ourselves by works. Is the term 'justified' being used in a different manner from Paul? Clement also says that good works are done in faith but he does not say they save someone. Could this be a bit like James and other New Testament writers when they say we must have works fitting of repentence? ie. Clement is saying we 'prove' ourselves Christian by our works and not just our words (sorry can't think of a better word).