Irenaeus: the good from God

Sunday, June 28, 2015
    Feast of Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, Teacher, Martyr, c.200
Meditation:
    So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?
    —Romans 2:3-4 (NIV)
Quotation:
    There is no coercion with God, but a good will [towards us] is present with Him continually. And therefore does He give good counsel to all. And in man, as well as in angels, He has placed the power of choice (for angels are rational beings), so that those who had yielded obedience might justly possess what is good, given indeed by God, but preserved by themselves. On the other hand, they who have not obeyed shall, with justice, be not found in possession of the good, and shall receive condign punishment: for God did kindly bestow on them what was good; but they themselves did not diligently keep it, nor deem it something precious, but poured contempt upon His supereminent goodness.
    ... Irenaeus (c.130-c.200), from Adversus Haereses, The Writings of Irenaeus, v. II, Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1869, IV.xxxvii.1, p. 36 (see the book)
    See also Rom. 2:3-4; Dan. 12:2; Matt. 8:11-12; 23:37; 25:41; Rom. 2:5,7; Rev. 12:7-9
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, lead me to honor Your grace. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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