The True Prophet
The sermon emphasizes the need for a true prophet to guide men in their search for eternal salvation and certainty in a world of uncertainty.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of seeking the true Prophet, who alone can enlighten souls and guide them towards eternal salvation. He highlights the necessity of testing the prophet through prophetic signs to ensure his authenticity, and once confirmed, to believe in his teachings without doubt or judgment. Clement stresses that without the true Prophet, certainty in matters of faith and truth is unattainable, as doctrines can be manipulated by those who advocate them. He urges his audience to seek the true Prophet first and foremost to receive genuine guidance and understanding.
Text
Now the Man who is the helper I call the true Prophet; and He alone is able to enlighten the souls of men, so that with our own eyes we may be able to see the way of eternal salvation. But otherwise it is impossible, as you also know, since you said a little while ago that every doctrine is set up and pulled down, and the same is thought true or false, according to the power of him who advocates it; so that doctrines do not appear as they are, but take the appearance of being or not being truth or falsehood from those who advocate them.
On this account the whole business of religion needed a true prophet, that he might tell us things that are, as they are, and how we must believe concerning all things.
So that it is first necessary to test the prophet by every prophetic sign, and having ascertained that he is true, thereafter to believe him in every thing, and not to sit in judgment upon his several sayings, but to receive them as certain, being accepted indeed by seeming faith, yet by sure judgment. For by our initial proof, and by strict inquiry on every side, all things are received with right reason. Wherefore before all things it is necessary to seek after the true Prophet, because without Him it is impossible that any certainty can come to men.
Sermon Outline
- The Need for a True Prophet
- The Problem of False Doctrines
- The Role of the True Prophet
- The True Prophet tells things as they are
- The True Prophet provides certainty in a world of uncertainty
Key Quotes
“The Man who is the helper I call the true Prophet; and He alone is able to enlighten the souls of men, so that with our own eyes we may be able to see the way of eternal salvation.” — Clement of Rome
“For by our initial proof, and by strict inquiry on every side, all things are received with right reason.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We must seek after the true prophet to gain certainty in our lives.
- We must test the prophet by every prophetic sign to ensure their truthfulness.
- We must balance faith and reason in our pursuit of truth and certainty.