04 September 2010

Patristic Quote of the Day

Observe the discretion of Paul, how after encouraging by the gentler things, he turns his discourse to the more fearful. For after saying that the Gospel is the cause of salvation and of life, that it is the power of God, that it genders salvation and righteousness, he mentions what might well make them fear that were heedless of it. For since in general most men are not drawn so much by the promise of what is good as by the fear of what is painful, he draws them on both sides. For this cause too did God not only promise a kingdom, but also threaten hell. -- St. John Chrysostom, Homily 3 on Romans

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

But we know that he got it all wrong! It has to be Law first, then Gospel. But then, what did he know?

Peace and Joy!
George A. Marquart