First Apology 10

But we have received that God does not need material offerings from human beings, since we see that he himself provides everything; and we have been taught, and are persuaded, and believe, that he accepts only those who imitate the good things that belong to him: self-control and justice and love of humankind and whatever is proper to God, who is called by no given name. And we have been taught that in the beginning, being good, he made all things out of formless matter for the sake of human beings; and if they show themselves by their works worthy of his purpose, we have received that they will be counted worthy to live with him, reigning with him, having become incorruptible and free from suffering. For as in the beginning he made us when we did not exist, so we think that those who choose what pleases him will, because of that choice, be counted worthy of incorruption and of fellowship with him. For our coming into being in the beginning was not our doing; but to follow what is dear to him, choosing it through the rational powers he himself has given, he both persuades us and leads us to faith. And we think it is for the good of all people that they are not prevented from learning these things, but are even urged toward them. For what human laws could not do, the divine Word would have done, if the evil demons had not scattered many false and godless accusations, taking as their ally the evil desire in each person, varied in nature and bent on everything; none of which belongs to us.