"The Shepherd of Hermas" (updated to modern language by Daniel Robison)
From the back cover
“The Shepherd of Hermas was one of the most popular books, if not the most popular book,
in the Christian church during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries. Believed by the early Christians to have been the work of the Hermas referred to by the apostle Paul (in Romans 16:14), this book was regarded as inspired Scripture by many(1) and was even included in several of the early canons(2). At the very least, the historical and universal acclaim of this work by those who were still burning with the recent fire of Pentecost demands a serious consideration of the message it gives to us; a message that, after nearly 2000 years, still exhales the prophetic fragrance of the ancient, apostolic faith.”
(1) Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen
(2) the revered Codex Sinaiticus (one of the best Greek texts of the NT) includes “The Shepherd”
From pages 2 through 6
● “… the thoughts of a righteous man should be righteous. By thinking righteously his character is established in the heavens, and he find the Lord merciful to him in everything. But those who entertain wicked thoughts in their minds bring death and captivity on themselves, especially those who set their affections on this world and glory in their riches, and don’t look forward to the blessings of the life to come. Their regrets will be many, because they have lost all hope for themselves and their life.”
● “So do not stop reprimanding your sons, for I know that if they will repent
with all their heart, they will be enrolled in the Books of Life with the saints.”
● “… all things become plain to His elect so that He may bestow on them the blessings which he has promised them with much glory and joy, IF only they shall keep the commandments of God which they have received in great faith.”
● “… forgiveness will be granted to all the saints who have sinned even to the present day, IF they repent with all their heart and drive all doubts from their minds. For the Lord has sworn by His glory, concerning His elect, that if any one of them sins after a certain fixed day they will not be saved, for the repentance of the righteous has limits. The days of repentance are filled up to all the saints, but to the unbeliever repentance will be possible even to the last day. So tell those who preside over the Church to direct their ways in righteousness, that they may receive the promises in full and with great glory. Stand steadfast, you who work righteousness, and do not doubt, so that your journey may be with the holy angels.”
● “Yet you are saved because you did not depart from the living God, and because of your simplicity and great self-control. These have saved you, IF you remain steadfast, and they will save all who act in the same manner, walking in innocence and simplicity. Those who possess such virtues will grow strong against every form of wickedness and will remain unto eternal life. Blessed are all those who practice righteousness, for they will never be destroyed.”
Did you notice the 3 “IF” conditions? (The NT epistles have many “IF” conditions as well.)
Did you notice the 2 exhortations to “work righteousness” and “practice righteousness”?
Please note
Now, I have 3 confirming sources that strongly warn against
the popular false doctrines of today’s lukewarm Laodicean church
... OSAS, free-grace, grace-only, hyper-grace, easy-believism, etc.
● The New Testament
● God’s prophets and watchmen (of today)
● The Shepherd of Hermas
Note
A prophetess who really hears from Father God, Lois Vogel-Sharp,
says the Laodicean church of Revelation 3:14-22 were/are NOT saved.
