The Second Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

Clemens Romanus (Clement of Rome)

Clement of Rome. The Apostolic Fathers, Volume 1. Lake, Kirsopp, editor. London: William Heinemann Ltd.; New York: The Macmillan Company, 1912.

So then, brethren, if we do the will of the Father, if we keep the flesh pure, and if we observe the commandments of the Lord, we shall obtain eternal life.

For the Lord says in the Gospel, If ye did not guard that which is small, who shall give you that which is great? For I tell you that he who is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in that which is much.

He means, then, this:— Keep the flesh pure, and the seal of baptism undefiled, that we may obtain eternal life.

And let none of you say that this flesh is not[*](The resurrection of the flesh) judged and does not rise again.

Understand: in what state did you receive salvation, in what state did you receive your sight, except in this flesh?

must therefore guard the flesh as a temple of God,

for as you were called in the flesh, you shall also come in the flesh.

If Christ, the Lord who saved us, though he was originally spirit, became flesh and so called us, so also we shall receive our reward in this flesh.

Let us then love one another, that we may all attain to the kingdom of God.