========================================================================
  THE TRUE PROPHET
  by Clement of Rome
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon emphasizes the need for a true prophet to guide men
in their search for eternal salvation and certainty in a world of
uncertainty.

Topics: "True Prophet", "Faith Guidance"
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 18:22, Proverbs 3:5, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:15, John 14:6, John 16:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 11:6, 1 John 4:1

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of seeking the true Prophet,
who alone can enlighten souls and guide them towards eternal salvation.
He highlights the necessity of testing the prophet through prophetic
signs to ensure his authenticity, and once confirmed, to believe in his
teachings without doubt or judgment. Clement stresses that without the
true Prophet, certainty in matters of faith and truth is unattainable,
as doctrines can be manipulated by those who advocate them. He urges his
audience to seek the true Prophet first and foremost to receive genuine
guidance and understanding.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now the Man who is the helper I call the true Prophet; and He alone is
able to enlighten the souls of men, so that with our own eyes we may be
able to see the way of eternal salvation. But otherwise it is
impossible, as you also know, since you said a little while ago that
every doctrine is set up and pulled down, and the same is thought true
or false, according to the power of him who advocates it; so that
doctrines do not appear as they are, but take the appearance of being or
not being truth or falsehood from those who advocate them.

On this account the whole business of religion needed a true prophet,
that he might tell us things that are, as they are, and how we must
believe concerning all things.

So that it is first necessary to test the prophet by every prophetic
sign, and having ascertained that he is true, thereafter to believe him
in every thing, and not to sit in judgment upon his several sayings, but
to receive them as certain, being accepted indeed by seeming faith, yet
by sure judgment. For by our initial proof, and by strict inquiry on
every side, all things are received with right reason. Wherefore before
all things it is necessary to seek after the true Prophet, because
without Him it is impossible that any certainty can come to men.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/clement-of-rome/the-true-prophet/
========================================================================