(THESE ARE THE RULES OF SCRIPTURES BY WHICH WE CAN ATTAIN ETERNAL LIFE)

RULE 43

The Old Testament precepts prohibits wicked deeds; the New Testament commands forbid even the harboring of vices: "You have heard it said thou shall not kill. . .but I say to you, he who in anger calls his brother RACA is guilty of murder."

While the Old Testament requires partial integrity, the New Testament demands full integrity for every good deed: "Sell all. . ."

And he who does not show forth a righteousness according to the Gospel greater than that prescribed by the Old Testament cannot be worthy of the kingdom of heaven: "Unless your justice abound more than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall NOT enter the kingdom of heaven."

St. Basil, Morals

(07-04-03)