First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

Furthermore, the Apostolic Fathers were careful to communicate God’s sovereign plan to reveal Himself by sending His Son. He would be a ransom for our sins and only through Him could one be justified by faith. Indeed, only by faith could one see God (To Diognetus 8). The new creatures that we become is a work of the Holy Spirit by which He replaces our stony heart with a heart of flesh ( Ezek 36:25–27 ). His sovereignty is also extended to the fact that God hears our prayers and knows our secrets. So, as you read this chapter, enjoy the beautiful expressions of who God is and what He has done for you. He sees you, and He hears you. God and Creator of All F irst C lement 20–21 a : The heavens, revolving under His sovereignty, are subject to Him in peace. Day and night they run the course appointed by Him, in no way hindering each other. The sun and moon, with the multitude of stars, roll on in harmony according to His command, within their designated limits and without any deviation. The fruitful earth, according to His will, produces food in abundance at the proper season for humans and animals and all other living beings upon it. It never hesitates, neither does it change any of the laws which He has fixed. The unsearchable depths of abysses, and the indescribable judgments of the lower world are controlled by the same laws. The vast unmeasurable sea, gathered together by His working into various basins, never passes beyond the bounds placed around it, but does as He has commanded. G od the C reator