Origen:
"The strength of our will is not sufficient to procure the perfectly pure heart. For we need God to create it. He, therefore, who prays as he should, offers this petition to God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” … It is the Son alone who leads to God those who are striving to come near to God—by the purity of their thoughts, words, and deeds. "
Clement of Alexandria:
"He who holds conversation with God must have his soul immaculate and pure, without stain. It is essential to have made himself perfectly good."
Arnobius:
"Since we are prone to err, and to yield to various lusts and appetites through the fault of our innate weakness, God allows Himself at all times to be comprehended in our thoughts.… This is so that we may receive a desire for purity and may free ourselves from every stain by the removal of all our shortcomings."
Question for Today
Peter says we purify ourselves by obedience. Origen says that we must ask for perfect purity. John says all who hope in Jesus and His coming will purify themselves.
Do you most lack obedience, asking, or hope, in your quest for purity?
The Historic Faith
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