First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

has Himself declared with an oath regarding it, “‘As I live,’ declares the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live’” (Ezek 33:11); adding, moreover, this gracious declaration: “Repent O house of Israel, of your iniquity. Say to the children of My people, ‘Though your sins reach from earth to heaven, and though they be redder than scarlet, and blacker than sackcloth, if you turn to Me with your whole heart, and say, “Father!” I will listen to you, as to a holy people’” ( Ezek 18:30 ). And in another place He says: “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord: “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be made white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isa 1:16–20) Desiring, therefore, that all His dear ones should be partakers of repentance, He has established them by His almighty will. F irst C lement 23: The all-merciful and benevolent Father has compassion toward those who fear Him. He gently and lovingly presents His favor on those who come