ACC ~ John 6 v39

THE LOST SHEEP ARE RETURNED

JEROME: Christ speaks here of the whole of his humanity, which he had taken on him in its entirety at his birth. [1] Then shall the sheep that was lost [2] and was wandering in the lower world be carried healthy on the Savior’s shoulders. And the sheep that was sick with sin shall be taken care of by the mercy of the Judge. AGAINST JOHN OF JERUSALEM 34. [3]

[1] Tertullian also includes the flesh in what Christ received from the Father, to emphasize that the flesh will be raised up at the resurrection along with the soul. See On the Resurrection of the Flesh 34 (ANF 3:570).

[2] Lk 15:4.

[3] NPNF 2 6:442*.

FOREKNOWLEDGE AND PERSEVERANCE

AUGUSTINE: They therefore who by God’s unerring providence are foreknown and predestined, called, justified, glorified, even before their new birth, or before they are born at all, are already the children of God and absolutely cannot perish. These truly come to Christ…. By him there is given also perseverance in good even to the end. For it is not given except to those who will not perish since those who do not persevere will perish. ON REBUKE AND GRACE 23. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 5:481**.