Repentance on the Earth
Repentance is essential while we are on earth, as it prepares us for eternal life and demonstrates our faithfulness to God.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of repentance while we are still on earth, comparing us to clay in the hands of a potter who can reshape us if we are willing to repent wholeheartedly. He warns that once we leave this world, we will no longer have the opportunity to confess or repent, urging believers to do the will of the Father, keep the flesh holy, and obey the commandments of the Lord to obtain eternal life. Clement stresses the significance of being faithful in small things, as it reflects our faithfulness in greater matters, highlighting the need to keep ourselves pure to receive the gift of eternal life.
Text
As long, therefore, as we are upon earth, let us practise repentance, for we are as clay in the hand of the artificer. For as the potter, if he make a vessel, and it be distorted or broken in his hands, fashions it over again; but if he have before this cast it into the furnace of fire, can no longer find any help for it: so let us also, while we are in this world, repent with our whole heart of the evil deeds we have done in the flesh, that we may be saved by the Lord, while we have yet an opportunity of repentance.
For after we have gone out of the world, no further power of confessing or repenting will there belong to us. Wherefore, brethren, by doing the will of the Father, and keeping the flesh holy, and observing the commandments of the Lord, we shall obtain eternal life.
For the Lord says in the Gospel, If you have not kept that which was small, who will commit to you the great? For I say unto you, that he that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much. This, then, is what He means: Keep the flesh holy and the seal undefiled, that you may receive eternal life.
Sermon Outline
- Repentance on Earth
- The consequences of delayed repentance
- Faithfulness in small things leads to eternal life
- We are clay in the hand of the artificer
- The importance of repentance before death
- No further power of confessing or repenting after death
- The importance of keeping the flesh holy
Key Quotes
“As long, therefore, as we are upon earth, let us practise repentance, for we are as clay in the hand of the artificer.” — Clement of Rome
“If you have not kept that which was small, who will commit to you the great?” — Clement of Rome
“Keep the flesh holy and the seal undefiled, that you may receive eternal life.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to repent and turn away from evil deeds while we have the opportunity.
- Keep our flesh holy by doing the will of the Father and observing the commandments of the Lord.
- Demonstrate our faithfulness by being obedient in the small things, so that we can be trusted with greater things.