He who was the Son of God became the Son of man, that man ... might become the son of God.
Irenaeus Of LyonsRead
But we do now receive a certain portion of His Spirit, tending towards perfection, and preparing us for incorruption, being little by little accustomed to receive and bear God
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the gradual process of spiritual growth and preparation for a higher existence.
Irenaeus of Lyons speaks to the transformative journey of the soul, suggesting that as individuals receive divine guidance, they are being equipped for a state of incorruption and perfection. This process is not instantaneous but occurs gradually, as one becomes more aligned with the divine nature through experience and acceptance of God's presence in their lives.
In practice
In a sermon on personal development, one might quote this to illustrate the importance of spiritual growth.
He who was the Son of God became the Son of man, that man ... might become the son of God.
For where the church is, there is the Spirit of God, and where the Spirit of God, there is the church and all grace.
The glory of God is a human being fully alive; and to be alive consists in beholding God.
It is not necessary to seek the truth among others which it is easy to obtain from the Church; since the apostles, like a rich man [depositing his money] in a bank, lodged in her hands most copiously all things pertaining to the truth.
The glory of God is the human person fully alive.
I'm the blackest member of my family. You know, these mixed families produce children of all colors, and in Jamaica, the question of exactly what shade you were, in colonial Jamaica, that was the most important question. Because you could read off class and education and status from that. I was aware and conscious of that from the very beginning.
But certainly, for us who understand life, figures are a matter of indifference.
The complaint that church is boring is never made by people in awe.
I even agree that the concept of god helps some people lead better lives. That does happen. Don't ever forget it. I just think there are better ways to help people lead better lives.
I was not, I was, I am not, I care not. (Non fui, fui, non sum, non curo)
One section of our country believes slavery is right, and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is wrong, and ought not to be extended.
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