{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/105/1050097.htm","path":"chr/ecf/105/1050097.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/105/1050097.htm","text":"Chapter 8 [VII.]\u2014(2) Whether There is in This World a Man Without Sin.\n[2nd.] If, however, I am asked the second question which I have suggested,\u2014whether there be a sinless man,\u2014I believe there is not. For I rather believe the Scripture, which says: \u201cEnter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.\u201d 481 There is therefore need of the mercy of God, which \u201cexceedingly rejoiceth against judgment,\u201d 482 and which that man shall not obtain who does not show mercy. 483 And whereas the prophet says, \u201cI said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my heart,\u201d 484 he yet immediately adds, \u201cFor this shall every saint pray unto Thee in an acceptable time.\u201d 485 Not indeed every sinner, but \u201cevery saint;\u201d for it is the voice of saints which says, \u201cIf we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.\u201d 486 Accordingly we read, in the Apocalypse of the same Apostle, of \u201cthe hundred and forty and four thousand\u201d saints, \u201cwhich were not defiled with women; for they continued virgins: and in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault.\u201d 487 \u201cWithout fault,\u201d indeed, they no doubt are for this reason,\u2014because they truly found fault with themselves; and for this reason, \u201cin their mouth was discovered no guile,\u201d\u2014\u201cbecause if they said they had no sin, they deceived themselves, and the truth was not in them.\u201d 488 Of course, where the truth was not, there would be guile; and when a righteous man begins a statement by accusing himself, he verily utters no falsehood.","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. V: A Treatise on the...","type":"page"}