On Immortality
XCVII. On Immortality
1. No mortality can obtain in God
since He is infinite and eternal
in power, wisdom and will.[1]
2. God is immortal in His will,
since thereby does He refuse every sin,
desiring, rather, all that befits goodness.
3. He Who is incorruptible
and enjoys every kind of perfection
must necessarily live forever.
4. <The> mortality that arises from mortal sin
is far worse
than the death attaching to one’s bodily nature.
5. He who loves God with a faithful heart
and on no account wishes to commit evil,
renders love immortal.
6. He who is not close to his end
and who fixes his desires upon God
can in no way die.
7. Whoever commits injustices or misdeeds
is but a step away from a grievous death,
which will lead him to an unsafe harbour.
8. He who does not wish to be mortal
in terms of a spiritual death
makes a home in his heart for God.
9. He who refuses on any account to desist
from <his> wicked thoughts and wicked deeds
causes <himself> to remain mortal.
10. Were immortality not to obtain
in a person who resides in hell,
sin would not constitute a great fault.
[1] Cf. n. 4, Ch. IX, § 4.