On the Incarnation of the Word 28 – Test the Claim of Victory Over Death
Posted: September 20th, 2009 | Author: Scott | Filed under: Incarnation of the Word | Tags: asbestos, athanasius, Faith, incarnation, martyrs for christ | 5 Comments »In his next section, Athanasius exhorts those who do not believe the claims of Christ’s victory over death to become Christian and see for themselves. It strikes me that this perspective on what it means to be Christian stands somewhat at odds with the present Western view. See for yourself.
But just as he who has got the asbestos knows that fire has no burning power over it, and as he who would see the tyrant bound goes over to the empire of his conqueror, so too let him who is incredulous about the victory over death receive the faith of Christ, and pass over to His teaching, and he shall see the weakness of death, and the triumph over it. For many who were formerly incredulous and scoffers have afterwards believed and so despised death as even to become martyrs for Christ Himself.
Become Christian (rather than whatever else you presently might be) and then you will believe in the same way that someone will believe that asbestos protects you from fire after testing it. The experience proves the point and many of the martyrs experienced exactly that. There are many stories of those putting the martyrs to death converting themselves in the middle of the process. They went from persecutor to Christian to martyr in the space sometimes of moments.
Become Christian and then you will believe. I think I experienced some of that myself.
“..so too let him who is incredulous about the victory over death receive the faith of Christ, and pass over to His teaching, and he shall see the weakness of death, and the triumph over it..” .. in the fundamentalist churchs i’ve been acquainted with this would not constitute much of a alter call…it lacks the emotional plea and the invitation to ask Jesus to come into your heart…. 🙂
…”It strikes me that this perspective on what it means to be Christian stands somewhat at odds with the present Western view” …..God help us rabbi…we’ve been duped by an imitation gospel….the american Jesus is an imposter…woe to those who lead astray!….
You ok? It’s been pretty quiet here 🙂
Dana
Well, my first business travel since being diagnosed with celiac didn’t put a dent in my blogging. 😉 (And that’s a post I need to write.) But the nasty upper respiratory virus (non-flu, got tested) that hit me after I got home certainly did. I’m better now and will get back to Athanasius soon. Have a couple of posts in draft.
Thanks for noticing.
Glad you’re better.
D.