The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

[Vanhin]

For those of you who have not yet, I would recommend that you read the 1st Epistle of Clement. It is believed by most scholars that it's author is in fact the same Clement mentioned by Paul as his associate (see Philippians 4). It was written "in the name of Church" some time between AD 68-97.

I know the Catholic Church holds Clement to be the 4th Bishop or Pope of Rome.

To me, the doctrine he teaches in this Epistle seems to be in harmony with the doctrine of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, and has maintained a plain and precious tone about it. It covers many topics near and dear to the hearts of Latter-day Saints and is akin to the clarity of the Book of Mormon in it's message.

An interesting aspect of the epistle is the author's use of the Old Testament to teach principles of the New Covenant and of Christ, much like Latter-day Saints do. This totally makes sense, since the New Testament, as we know it, was not yet standardized into the Bible at that point. It is a great testament to the authenticity of the Old Testament as witness of Christ, or the Messiah.

Another interesting aspect is the evidence it provides of the looming apostasy that the Church was facing, and the need for the Church to continue to combat pride and envy, and to call the members to repentance.

Here is LDS doctrine of what grace the Atonement of Christ affords us, as taught by Clement to the Corinthians:

These things, beloved, we write unto you, not merely to admonish you of your duty, but also to remind ourselves. For we are struggling on the same arena, and the same conflict is assigned to both of us. Wherefore let us give up vain and fruitless cares, and approach to the glorious and venerable rule of our holy calling. Let us attend to what is good, pleasing, and acceptable in the sight of Him who formed us. Let us look stedfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to God which, having been shed for our salvation, has set the grace of repentance before the whole world. Let us turn to every age that has passed, and learn that, from generation to generation, the Lord has granted a place of repentance to all such as would be converted unto Him. Noah preached repentance, and as many as listened to him were saved. Jonah proclaimed destruction to the Ninevites; but they, repenting of their sins, propitiated God by prayer, and obtained salvation, although they were aliens [to the covenant] of God. (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX: The Epistles of Clement.: Chapter VII)

The ministers of the grace of God have, by the Holy Spirit, spoken of repentance; and the Lord of all things has himself declared with an oath regarding it, “As I live, saith the Lord, I desire not the death of the sinner, but rather his repentance;” adding, moreover, this gracious declaration, “Repent, O house of Israel, of your iniquity.” Say to the children of my people, Though your sins reach from earth to heaven, and though they be redder than scarlet, and blacker than sack-cloth, yet if ye turn to me with your whole heart, and say, Father! I will listen to you, as to a holy people. And in another place He speaks thus: “Wash you and become clean; put away the wickedness of your souls from before mine eyes; cease from your evil ways, and learn to do well; seek out judgment, deliver the oppressed, judge the fatherless, and see that justice is done to the widow; and come, and let us reason together. He declares, Though your sins be like crimson, I will make them white as snow; though they be like scarlet, I will whiten them like wool. And if ye be willing and obey me, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse, and will not hearken unto me, the sword shall devour you, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken these things.” Desiring, therefore, that all His beloved should be partakers of repentance, He has, by His almighty will, established [these declarations]. (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX: The Epistles of Clement.: Chapter VIII)

I find absolutely nothing out of harmony with our theology here. Indeed, Clement teaches that the atonement makes it possible for us to repent, and that God requires us to rely upon the merits of Christ, by repenting, in order for us to partakers of salvation. I love this quote:

Let us look stedfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to God which, having been shed for our salvation, has set the grace of repentance before the whole world.

It reminds me of the clarity that Nephi gives to this topic in the Book of Mormon:

And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (2 Nephi 31)

Anyway, I find it extremely interesting. Feel free to check it out and share any insigth you may have on 1st Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Here's the link to the full text.

Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX: The Epistles of Clement.: The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians.

Regards,

Vanhin

[rameumptom]

It's been a few years since I've read Clement's writings. Just so much out there to study, that I don't have time to reread it all!

But you've shown that LDS belief was taught anciently, if nothing else. I do not see how anyone can make the claim that Mormon beliefs are modern, when so many ancients taught them.