Faith and works

In chapters 31-35 Clement deals with the thorny issue of the relationship between faith and works.

Clement begins, as usual, referring to OT characters. Abraham "wrought righteousness and truth through faith" though rather less convincingly he claims that "Isaac, with perfect confidence, as if knowing what was to happen, cheerfully yielded himself as a sacrifice" [did he really?]. Clement is quite clear that salvation is through faith, not works, "And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men."

Clement is also adamant that good works are to be expected from Christians. After all, this is the example God provides us. We have the expectation of rewards for our good work which go beyond our understanding and which should stimulate us towards holiness.