Theodoret of Cyrus: Dead Faith Does Not Save

Exercising lovingkindness, he is saying, the Lord freed us from our former vices through the Only-begotten, according us forgiveness of our sins through saving baptism, creating us anew and renewing us, regaling us with the gift of the Spirit, and showing us the way of righteousness. To those traveling by this way he promised the kingdom of heaven. And since this way is not visible (hope which is seen, remember, is not hope), he was obliged to add, The saying is sure (v.8), that is, true: let no one be in any doubt. I want you to harp on this so that those who believe in God may be sure to devote themselves to good works: for those devoid of good works faith is not sufficient for salvation. These things are good and of benefit to everyone: believing in God and living according to his laws.

- Theodoret of Cyrus (around A.D. 393 to around A.D. 457), Commentary on Titus, Chapter 3, in Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on the Letters of St. Paul, Volume 2, p. 257 (2001), Robert C. Hill translator.