ACC ~ John 8 v31

TESTING THE FAITH OF THE BELIEVERS

CHRYSOSTOM: Beloved, our condition needs much endurance; and endurance is best produced when doctrines are deeply rooted. For just as there is no wind that is able to tear up an oak tree by its assaults because it sends down its root deep into the earth, so too the soul that is nailed by the fear of God—not just rooted but nailed—will not be able to be overturned…. Our Lord wanted to test the faith of those who believed so that it might not be merely superficial, and so he digs deeper into their souls by a more striking word…. And so, when he said, “If you continue,” he made it clear what was in their hearts. He knew that some believed but would not continue. And he makes them a magnificent promise, that is, that they shall become his disciples indeed. These words are a tacit rebuke to some who had believed and afterwards withdrawn because they could not continue. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 54.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:193**.

EASIER TO COME THAN CONTINUE

AUGUSTINE: It is a small thing for a disciple to come to him; it is a much greater thing to continue in him. Therefore he does not say if you “hear” or “come” or “praise” my Word. He says, “If you continue in my Word.” What do you think, brothers? Is continuing in the Lord hard work or not? If it is hard work, look at the reward. If it is not, you receive the reward for nothing. Let us then continue in him who continues in us. SERMON 84.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 6:510**.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

CYPRIAN: We must endure and persevere, beloved brothers, so that once we have the hope of truth and freedom, we may actually attain them. For the very fact that we are Christians is the substance of faith and hope. But if hope and faith are going to achieve their result, there must be patience. For we are not following after present but future glory…. Therefore, waiting and patience are needed so that we may fulfill what we have begun to be and may receive what we believe and hope for according to God’s own appearing. THE GOOD OF PATIENCE 9.13. [1]

[1] ANF 5:487*.