Good Works

"We are justified by our works, not by our words."  St. Clement Of Rome, "First Epistle to the Corinthians," c. 96 A.D.

 

“But rather let us hasten with all energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work.”  St. Clement Of Rome, "First Epistle to the Corinthians," c. 96 A.D.

 

“It is requisite, therefore, that we be prompt in the practice of well-doing; for of Him are all things. And thus He forewarns us: 'Behold, the Lord [cometh], and His reward is before His face, to render to every man according to his work.' He exhorts us, therefore, with our whole heart to attend to this, that we be not lazy or slothful in any good work.”  St. Clement Of Rome, "First Epistle to the Corinthians," c. 96 A.D.

 

"The way of light, then, is as follows.  If anyone desires to travel to the appointed place, he must be zealous in his works."  St. Barnabas, "Epistle of St. Barnabas," c. 70-130 A.D.

 

"Each man goes to everlasting punishment or salvation according to the value of his actions."  St. Justin Martyr, "First Apology," c. 160 A.D.

 

"Let those who are not found living as He taught, be understood not to be Christians, even though they profess with the lips the teachings of Christ.  For it is not those who make profession, but those who do the works, who will be saved."  St. Justin Martyr, c. 160 A.D.

 

"The matters of our religion lie in works, not in words."  St. Justin Martyr, "First Apology," c. 160 A.D.

 

"This shows that transgressions are blotted out and that reconciliation is made for sins.  But who are the ones who have reconciliation made for their sins - except those who believe on His name and propitiate His countenance by good works?"  St. Hippolytus, "The Extant Works And Fragments Of Hippolytus," c. 205 A.D.

 

Printed with permission from Catholic Defense.