ACC ~ John 12 v47

HE DOES NOT JUDGE, DO YOU?

AMBROSE: He judges not, and do you judge? He says that “whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness,” that is, that if he is in darkness he may not remain that way but may amend his error, correct his fault and keep my commandments. For I have said, “I do not desire the death of the wicked, but their conversion.” [1] I said above that he who believes on me is not judged, and I keep to this: “For I have not come to judge the world, but that the world may be saved through me.” [2] I pardon willingly, I quickly forgive. “I will have mercy rather than sacrifice,” [3] because by sacrifice the just is rendered more acceptable, by mercy the sinner is redeemed. CONCERNING REPENTANCE 1.12.54. [4]

[1] Ezek 33:11.

[2] Jn 3:17.

[3] Hos 6:6.

[4] NPNF 2 10:338; SC 179:98-100.

CONDEMNATION IS SELF-INFLICTED

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Those who refuse to hear Jesus and accept saving faith will condemn themselves, for he who came to illumine came not to judge but to save. Therefore, he who disobeys and subjects himself to the greatest miseries can only blame himself as justly punished. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 8. [1]

[1] LF 48:163-64**.