Now there have been delivered to us in the Gospel three Persons and names through whom the generation or birth of believers takes place, and he who is begotten by this Trinity is equally begotten of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost —for thus does the Gospel speak of the Spirit, that “that which is born of Spirit is spirit,” and it is “in Christ “that Paul begets, and the Father is the “Father of all”.
Interpretation
This quote discusses the theological understanding of the Trinity and spiritual regeneration through faith.
Gregory Of Nyssa elaborates on the Christian belief in the Trinity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the process of spiritual rebirth for believers. He highlights that being born of the Spirit aligns individuals with divine truth, symbolizing a deep spiritual awakening and connection to God.
In practice
In a sermon discussing spiritual rebirth, you might quote this to emphasize the role of the Trinity in a believer's transformation.
... where Solomon says that 'Wisdom has built herself a house' (Prov. 9:1), he refers darkly in these words to the preparation of the flesh of the Lord: for the true Wisdom did not dwell in another's building, but built for Itself that dwelling-place from the body of the Virgin.
If we truly think of Christ as our source of holiness, we shall refrain from anything wicked or impure in thought or act and thus show ourselves to be worthy bearers of his name. For the quality of holiness is shown not by what we say but by what we do in life.
Peace is defined as harmony among those who are divided. When, therefore, we end the civil war within our nature and cultivate peace within ourselves, we become at peace.
May we never risk the life of our souls by being resentful or by bearing grudges.
Just as at sea those who are carried away from the direction of the harbor bring themselves back on course by a clear sign, on seeing a tall beacon light or some mountain peak coming into view, so Scripture may guide those adrift on the sea of the life back into the harbor of the divine will.
Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything. People kill one another over idols. Wonder makes us fall to our knees.
What is the most beautiful in virile men is something feminine; what is most beautiful in feminine women is something masculine.
What if a dawn of a doom of a dream bites this universe in two, peels forever out of his grave, and sprinkles nowhere with me and you?
The high destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule.
Loss of social standing is an ever-present threat for individuals whose social acceptance is based on behavioral traits rather than unconditional human value.
Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.
Many people in Europe and the U.S. dispute the thesis that we are living through a clash of civilisations between Islam and the west. But a radical minority of Muslims firmly believes that Islam is under siege, and is committed to winning the holy war it has declared against the West.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.