INTRODUCTION TO PART III

Faith is a simple thing which, like the parabolic mustard seed, grows and branches out magnificently; it is linked to divine knowledge which is life eternal. Salvation is the sovereignty of grace, God's kingdom as it comes on earth, a hidden power of healing which transforms and sustains the universe. The son, the divine saviour, is at the peak of the pyramid of reality. From him, grace descends to enliven and illuminate all things.

Clement's final problem was the simplicity and infinity of faith and salvation. Faith is not passive acceptance, but the explosive force of a new beginning, a rebirth to new life, a renewing of the mind to the tireless activity which searches for the ‘best reason’. Similarly, salvation stretches through the universe to all eternity.

Clement's source again is scripture. For this reason, we begin from Clement's use of Paul (including Hebrews) on the subject of faith. The verses which he cited point to his concern with the gospel as Paul had proclaimed it. The first chapters of the First Letter to the Corinthians, a verse from Romans and the eleventh chapter of Hebrews provide the evidence in Clement's text.