more than the name and outward symbol of Christ, still dare to call
us as the model, the very image that our lives should reflect. What more efficacious guide could one desire? Indeed, what could surpass this? If the Lord has adopted us as His children, stipulating that our lives mirror the likeness of Christ—the bond of our adoption—then to neglect righteousness is not merely perfidious rebellion against our Creator but also a rejection of the Savior Himself.
Scripture draws from the rich tapestry of God's blessings and the manifold facets of our salvation to construct its exhortations. Since God has revealed Himself to us as a Father, we would be grievously ungrateful if we did not, in turn, reveal ourselves as His beloved children. Since Christ has cleansed us through the redeeming waters of His blood and the sacred act of baptism, it would be unbecoming for us to be defiled anew by sin. Since He has engrafted us into His body, we, as His cherished members, should vigilantly guard against any stain or contamination. Since our glorious Head ascended to heaven, it is fitting for us to detach our affections from earthly matters and, with our entire being, aspire to the heavenly realm. Since the Holy Spirit has consecrated us as temples of the Lord, our utmost endeavor should be to manifest the radiant glory of God and shield ourselves from the defilement of sin. Since our souls and bodies are destined for heavenly incorruptibility and an unfading crown, let us diligently strive to keep them pure and untainted, ready for the coming day of the Lord. These, my dear ones, are the surest foundations of a well-ordered life, and you will search in vain for anything comparable among philosophers. Their commendation of virtue never ascends beyond the natural dignity of humanity, while Scripture lifts our gaze to the celestial heights of divine transformation.
4. Now, let us turn our attention to those who, devoid of anything more than the name and outward symbol of Christ, still dare to call themselves Christians. How audacious it is for them to boast of this sacred name! True communion with Christ is reserved for those who have sincerely come to know Him through the Gospel. The Apostle emphatically declares that no one has truly learned Christ unless