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Epistle to the Smyrnaeans (Long Version)
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Chapter 6—Those who do not believe in the blood of Christ will be condemned.
LET NO ONE DECEIVE THEMSELVES: Unless they believe that Christ Jesus has lived in the flesh and confess His cross and passion, and the blood He shed for the salvation of the world, they shall not obtain eternal life, whether they be a king, priest, ruler, private person, master, servant, man, or woman. "Whoever is able to receive it, let them receive it." Let no one's position, dignity, or riches make them proud, and let no one's low condition or poverty lower them. For the main points are faith in God, hope in Christ, the enjoyment of the good things we anticipate, and love towards God and our neighbor. For, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself." And the Lord says, "This is eternal life, to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent." And again, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Therefore, notice those who preach other doctrines, how they claim that the Father of Christ cannot be known, and how they show enmity and deceit in their dealings with one another. They have no regard for love; they despise the good things we expect hereafter; they regard present things as if they were permanent; they ridicule those who are in affliction; they laugh at those who are in bonds.