Basil of Caesarea : The infinite God, remaining changeless, assumed flesh and fought with death, freeing us from suffering by his own suffering!… He himself has bound the strong man and plundered his goods—that is, us, who had been abased in every manner of evil—and made us vessels fit for the Master's use, the use of our free will being made ready for any good work. — ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 8.18 John Damascene : It is clear that this cleansing is done freely, for he says, "if any man shall cleanse himself," the converse of which rejoins that, if he does not cleanse himself, he will be a vessel unto dishonor, of no use to the Lord and only fit to be broken. — The Orthodox Faith 4.19 Origen of Alexandria : Whoever purges himself when placed in this life will be prepared for every good work in the future. — ON FIRST PRINCIPLES 2.9.8