ACC ~ John 6 v28 - 29

FAITH IN GOD’S SEALED SON

HILARY OF POITIERS: In setting forth the mystery of his incarnation and his Godhead, our Lord has also uttered the teaching of our faith and hope that we should work not for that food that perishes but that which abides for ever; that we should remember that this food of eternity is given to us by the Son of man as sealed by God the Father; that we should know that this is the work of God: even faith in him whom he has sent. And who is it whom the Father has sent? Even he whom the Father has sealed. And who is he whom the Father has sealed? In truth, the Son of man, even he who gives the food of eternal life. ON THE TRINITY 8.42. [1]

[1] NPNF 2 9:149-50*.

THIS FAITH IS THE WORK OF GOD

AUGUSTINE: Why do you make ready your teeth and stomach? Believe, and you have eaten. Faith is, indeed, distinguished from works, as the apostle says, “that a person is justified by faith without works.” [1] And there are works that seem to be good… because they are not referred to that end from which they are good. “For the end of the law is Christ, unto justice to everyone who believes.” [2] Therefore, he did not wish to separate faith from work, but he said that faith itself is a work. For this is the faith that works by love. [3] He did not say, “This is your work” but “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent,” so that he who takes glory may take glory in the Lord. [4] TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 25.12.1-2. [5]

[1] See Rom 3:28.

[2] See Rom 10:4.

[3] See Gal 5:6.

[4] See 1 Cor 1:31.

[5] FC 79:249-50*.