On the Resurrection, Fragments
Chapter 8: Does the Body Make the Soul Sin?
Indeed, they say; yet the flesh is a sinner, to the extent that it compels the soul to sin along with it. In this way, they wrongly accuse it and blame it solely for the sins of both. But in what situation can the flesh sin on its own without the soul leading and provoking it? Just like a pair of oxen, where if one or the other is freed from the yoke, neither can plow by themselves; similarly, neither the soul nor the body can accomplish anything if they are separated from their union. And if it is the flesh that is the sinner, then for its sake alone did the Savior come, as He says, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Therefore, since the flesh has been shown to be valuable in the eyes of God and glorious above all His works, it would be rightfully saved by Him.
We must address those who claim that, even if it is the special handiwork of God and valued above all else by Him, this doesn't necessarily mean it has the promise of resurrection. Isn't it absurd to think that something created with such care and value could be so neglected by its Maker as to cease to exist? Sculptors and painters, wanting their creations to last for their own glory, restore them when they begin to decay. Yet, would God neglect His own creation so that it becomes annihilated and no longer exists? Wouldn't this be pointless effort? It would be as if a man built a house only to immediately destroy it or neglect it as it falls apart, despite being able to repair it. We would criticize him for working in vain, so why wouldn't we criticize God? However, God, who is Incorruptible, is not lacking in wisdom. Let those who do not believe remain silent, even if they choose not to believe.
In truth, He has called even the flesh to the resurrection and promises it everlasting life. For when He promises to save man, He gives the promise to the flesh as well. For what is man but a rational being made up of body and soul? Is the soul by itself man? No, it is the soul of a man. Would the body be called man? No, it is the body of a man. If neither on its own is man, but together they form man, and God has called man to life and resurrection, then He has called not just a part, but the whole, which includes both soul and body.
Wouldn't it be absurd if, while these two are part of the same being and follow the same law, one were saved and the other not? And if it is not impossible for the flesh to be regenerated, as has already been shown, what distinguishes the soul to be saved but not the body? Do they suggest God is grudging? But He is good and desires everyone to be saved. According to God's word, not only has your soul heard and believed in Jesus Christ, but so has your flesh, and both have been washed and acted righteously.
They make God seem ungrateful and unjust if, while both believe in Him, He wishes to save one and not the other. They argue that the soul is incorruptible, being a part of God and inspired by Him, and thus He wants to save what belongs to Him; but the flesh is corruptible and not from Him like the soul is. What gratitude would He deserve, and what demonstration of His power and goodness would it be, if He aimed to save what is already naturally saved and part of Himself? For the soul's salvation comes from itself; thus, in saving the soul, God does no significant thing.
To be saved is the soul's natural destiny because it is inspired by Him.
But no thanks are due to someone who saves what is already theirs; this is akin to saving oneself. For someone who saves a part of themselves saves themselves to avoid being incomplete in that part; this is not the action of a good person. For even when a person is good to their children and offspring, we don't call them a good person solely because of that; even the wildest of animals do so and will willingly die, if necessary, for their young.
But if someone were to perform such acts for their slaves, that person would rightly be called good.
Therefore, the Saviour has also taught us to love our enemies, as He says, "What thanks do you have?" showing us that doing good isn't only about loving those begotten by Him but also those outside. And what He commands us to do, He Himself does first.