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  EXHORTATIONS TO FAITH AND LOVE
  by Ignatius of Antioch
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Summary: Faith and love are inseparable and together perfect the man of
God, making a holy life possible.

Topics: "Faith And Love", "Christian Living"
Scripture References: Matthew 7:20, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Galatians 5:6, James 2:17, 1 John 4:20

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DESCRIPTION
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Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of possessing faith and
love towards Christ, as they are the foundation and culmination of a
Christian's life. Faith initiates life, while love completes it, and
these two qualities are intertwined in perfecting a person of God. He
stresses that those who claim faith should not sin, and those who have
love should not harbor hatred towards others, as loving God and loving
one's neighbor are interconnected. True followers of Christ are
recognized not just by their words but by their actions, as a tree is
known by its fruit.

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CONTENT
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Wherefore none of the devices of the devil shall be hidden from you, if,
like Paul, ye perfectly possess that faith and love towards Christ which
are the beginning and the end of life. The beginning of life is faith,
and the end is love.

And these two being inseparably connected together, do perfect the man
of God; while all other things which are requisite to a holy life follow
after them. No man making a profession of faith ought to sin, nor one
possessed of love to hate his brother. For He that said, "Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God," said also, "and thy neighbour as thyself." Those
that profess themselves to be Christ's are known not only by what they
say, but by what they practise. "For the tree is known by its fruit."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/exhortations-to-faith-and-love/
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