“I believe in God the Father Almighty” by Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430)

“The Creed is a rule of faith briefly compiled so as to instruct the mind without burdening the memory. It is expressed in few words, from which, however, much instruction may be drawn.

‘I believe in God the Father Almighty.’

See how quickly it is said and how much it signifies! God exists and He is the Father: God by His power; Father, by His goodness.

How fortunate we are who have discovered that God is our Father! Let us, therefore, believe in Him, and let us promise ourselves all things from His mercy, because He is omnipotent.

On that account we believe in God the Father Almighty.

Let no one say: ‘He is not able to forgive me my sins.’

How can the Omnipotent lack that power?

But you say: ‘I have sinned much.’

I answer: ‘But He is omnipotent.’

You insist: ‘I have committed sins of such a nature that I cannot be freed or cleansed from them.’

I reply: ‘But He is omnipotent. See what you sing in the Psalm: ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done for thee. Who forgiveth all thy iniquities: who healeth all thy diseases.’ (Psalm 103:2-3)”

–Augustine of Hippo, “Sermon 213: For the Recent Converts,” Sermons on the Liturgical Seasons (ed. Hermigild Dressler; trans. Mary Sarah Muldowney; vol. 38; The Fathers of the Church; Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 1959), 38: 121.

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Filed under Augustine, Christian Theology, Church Fathers, Communion with God, God the Creator, God the Father, God's Excellencies, Jesus Christ, Preaching, Puritanical, Quotable Quotes, Sanctification, The Gospel

One response to ““I believe in God the Father Almighty” by Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430)

  1. thank you for the information

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