Cyril of Jerusalem
Lecture 5
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.” — Hebrews 11:1-2
Summary: Baptism brings the teachings of faith, by which we do works in obedience to Scripture and its summary in the Creed; Baptism bestows gifts of faith[i], which bring power beyond that which is human.
Preview: 1. Transfer from Catechumen to Faithful is a
great dignity; calling us to the fellowship of His Son; becoming partaker of
God’s title, Faithful. 2. It is required that each be found faithful;
yet, God sees the sincerity of faith, He tries the reins and hearts, knowing
men’s thoughts; the faithful attain great wealth, by trampling on it; the rich
are poor of soul; but, the faithful are rich in poverty, content with only food
and clothing. 3. All great things are accomplished by faith,
even by “aliens from the Church”. “By
faith the laws of marriage yoke” strangers together. “By faith” the farmer anticipates a harvest. “By faith” the sailor exchanges the certainty
of land for a plank. “By faith” men’s affairs
are held together. Outsiders, without
the Scripture, hold their doctrines by faith.
4. The lesson[ii]
invites to “true faith”: for without faith it is impossible to please Him.[iii] When will a man serve God, not believing that
He gives rewards? What woman choses
virginity, or man sobriety, not believing that there is an unfading crown of
chastity? “Faith is an eye that
enlightens every conscience, and imparts understanding.” “Faith stops the mouths of lions”; it is our
only shield against the devil, our buckler against the foe; faith enables us
“to quench all the fiery darts”; faith “cools the mind and quenches the
dart”. 5. Faith is too much to consider in a day; take
Abraham only, justified both by his works and faith; yet, not called God’s friend,
until he believed; even though all his works were performed in faith; thus he
fathered a child from his dead body, when his wife had no hope of bearing
children; then he offered up his only son, believing that God is able to raise
him from the dead; but, God gave him a lamb instead of his child; God gave him
circumcision as a seal of faith; promising that he would be the father of many
nations. 6. “Abraham is the father of many nations”: the
Jews of the flesh; but, all of us by faith: for faith in Christ crucified ,
died, and risen makes us Abraham’s children by adoption; “circumcised [in the
heart] by the Holy Spirit through baptism”; “in the circumcision of Christ, …
buried with Him in baptism….” 7. “This faith, if kept … from condemnation …
will be adorned with virtues.” Faith
enables walking on water; but, doubts, lead to sinking; yet, Jesus raises up
our weak faith; so Peter returns to the ship.
8. “Faith has so much power”
that, as with the Capernaum paralytic, it saves others. 9. Lazarus
was raised by the faith of his sisters; Lord, I believe, help my unbelief;
increase our faith. 10. The dogmatic kind of faith gives assent: for
if you believe that Jesus is Lord, Whom God raised, you shall be saved, as was
the robber who believed at Golgotha.
11. The [Spirit’s] gift of faith
through grace, “is not merely doctrinal”; it works above man’s power, moves
mountains; this faith is small as mustard grain, but fiery in operation,
providing branches for birds: for the faith enlightened “soul has visions of
God”, travels the universe, beholds the judgment. 12. In
learning and professing faith, keep only that delivered by the Church from
Scripture; this engrave on the heart: for the articles were collected from
Scripture. 13. Guard them with reverence; keep this faith
committed to you without spot.
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