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  TRUE VIRGINITY PERFECT
  by Clement of Rome
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Summary: True virginity is obtained through the power of faith, which is
demonstrated through good works and a life of righteousness.

Topics: "Faith And Works", "Righteous Living"
Scripture References: Proverbs 4:18, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10, James 2:26, 1 Peter 2:12

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DESCRIPTION
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Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith and
righteousness, stating that true believers exhibit their faith through
good works. He highlights that the kingdom of heaven is obtained not by
worldly attributes, but by the power of faith and the manifestation of
good works that glorify God. Those who choose to live a life of purity
and righteousness for God are called to shine as lights in the world,
illuminating the darkness with their good deeds and ultimately
glorifying the Father in heaven.

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CONTENT
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Of all virgins of either sex who have truly resolved to preserve
virginity for the sake of the kingdom of heaven-- of each and every one
of them it is required that he be worthy of the kingdom of heaven in
every thing. For not by eloquence or renown, by station and descent, or
by beauty or strength, or by length of life, is the kingdom of heaven
obtained; but it is obtained by the power of faith, when a man exhibits
the works of faith. For whosoever is truly righteous, his works testify
concerning his faith, that he is truly a believer, with a faith which is
great, a faith which is perfect, a faith which is in God, a faith which
shines in good works, that the Father of all may be glorified through
Christ.

Now, those who are truly virgins for the sake of God give heed to Him
who has said, Let not righteousness and faith fail you; bind them on
your neck, and you shall find favour for yourself, and devise good
things before God and before men. The paths,therefore, of the righteous
shine as the light, and the light of them advances until the day is
perfect. For the beams of their light illumine the whole creation even
now by good works, as those who are truly the light of the world, giving
light to those who sit in darkness, that they may arise and go forth
from the darkness by the light of the good works of the fear of God,
that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in
heaven.

For it is required of the man of God, that in all his words and works he
be perfect, and that in his life he be adorned with all exemplary and
well-ordered behaviour, and do all his deeds in righteousness, as a man
of God.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/clement-of-rome/true-virginity-perfect/
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