The Day of Judgement
The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and good deeds, highlighting the consequences of unrepentant deeds and the value of alms and fasting in lightening the burden of sin.
Clement of Rome urges believers to repent and turn to God while there is still time, emphasizing the importance of renouncing sinful desires to receive Jesus' mercy. He warns about the impending day of judgment when all deeds will be revealed, highlighting the value of almsgiving, fasting, and charity as acts of repentance and righteousness. Clement stresses that being found complete in these practices lightens the burden of sin and leads to blessings.
Text
So, then, brethren, having received no small occasion to repent, while we have opportunity, let us turn to God who called us, while yet we have One to receive us. For if we renounce these indulgences and conquer the soul by not fulfilling its wicked desires, we shall be partakers of the mercy of Jesus.
Know that the day of judgment draws near like a burning oven, and certain of the heavens and all the earth will melt, like lead melting in fire; and then will appear the hidden and manifest deeds of men. Good, then, is alms as repentance from sin; better is fasting than prayer, and alms than both; charity covers a multitude of sins, and prayer out of a good conscience delivers from death. Blessed is every one that shall be found complete in these; for alms lightens the burden of sin.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Repentance
- The Day of Judgment
- The Value of Good Deeds
- Alms as repentance from sin
- Fasting and prayer as means of deliverance
Key Quotes
“For if we renounce these indulgences and conquer the soul by not fulfilling its wicked desires, we shall be partakers of the mercy of Jesus.” — Clement of Rome
“Blessed is every one that shall be found complete in these; for alms lightens the burden of sin.” — Clement of Rome
“The day of judgment draws near like a burning oven, and certain of the heavens and all the earth will melt, like lead melting in fire;” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should turn to God who called us while we still have the opportunity to repent.
- Good deeds, such as alms and fasting, can help us lighten the burden of sin.
- Prayer out of a good conscience can deliver us from death.