THEOSISCyprian of Carthage
Those who believe they can enter the Church through intimidation rather than prayer, or who think they can secure their place not through sorrow and atonement but through aggression, should understand that the Church of the Lord is not for them. The steadfast and strong fortress of Christ, safeguarded by the Lord, does not yield to intimidation. While one can take a life, defeating a servant of God who remains committed to the Gospel and adheres to Christ's commandments is impossible. Zacharias, the high priest of God, exemplifies courage and faith; despite attempts to scare him with threats and stones, he was slain in the temple of God.
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He boldly proclaimed what we also declare publicly against heretics: ‘This is what the Lord says: Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord?’ If some foolish and wicked individuals abandon the divine and salvific path of the Lord, and if those who act unrighteously are deserted by the Holy Spirit, we must not therefore neglect Divine tradition, elevating the misdeeds of the wicked above the judgments of the priests, nor should we assume that human efforts in opposition are stronger than Divine protection in defense.