Chrysostom
Beloved
You ask prayer for the salvation of these souls, and that is good, but consider well what salvation demands. It is not a thing to be obtained by a mere word or the passing desire of others, but by a true turning of the whole life to God. For though a man believe rightly on the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, yet if he lead not a right life, his faith will avail nothing. And hearing Christ Himself declare, "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven," we know that faith alone is not sufficient.
Eternal life is indeed promised to those who believe, but it is only laid hold of by a most exact life and conversation. Therefore let your prayer be not a light thing, but let it be joined with your own repentance, with tears, and with works of mercy. Mourn for sins, your own and theirs, for godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of. And if you would intercede for them, remember that the Apostle willingly endured afflictions for the elect's sake, that they might obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
So you also, examine yourself: are you not the hindrance to their conversion by a lukewarm life? Let your conduct be pure, your course of life blameless, that having yourself washed away pollution by repentance, you may draw them to the Savior. Do not rest the hope of their salvation in any carnal relationship or in the mere reading of Scriptures, but make your prayer a living sacrifice, and with great urgency lead them to Christ, who alone gives life. For He hath said, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." It is a fearsome thing to fall into the hands of the living God if we treat His gift lightly.
Therefore, seek first that your own salvation be made sure, with fear and trembling, and then with boldness you may pray and suffer for them, that they also may know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. But if they will not come to Him, let it not be because your own life contradicts your prayer.
Eternal life is indeed promised to those who believe, but it is only laid hold of by a most exact life and conversation. Therefore let your prayer be not a light thing, but let it be joined with your own repentance, with tears, and with works of mercy. Mourn for sins, your own and theirs, for godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of. And if you would intercede for them, remember that the Apostle willingly endured afflictions for the elect's sake, that they might obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
So you also, examine yourself: are you not the hindrance to their conversion by a lukewarm life? Let your conduct be pure, your course of life blameless, that having yourself washed away pollution by repentance, you may draw them to the Savior. Do not rest the hope of their salvation in any carnal relationship or in the mere reading of Scriptures, but make your prayer a living sacrifice, and with great urgency lead them to Christ, who alone gives life. For He hath said, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." It is a fearsome thing to fall into the hands of the living God if we treat His gift lightly.
Therefore, seek first that your own salvation be made sure, with fear and trembling, and then with boldness you may pray and suffer for them, that they also may know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. But if they will not come to Him, let it not be because your own life contradicts your prayer.
