Required reading
Ante-Nicene Fathers (Vol 6) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read 'Concerning free-will'.
My summary
Today we read a series of writings concerning the resurrection.
Arguments for a physical resurrection are primarily drawn from:
(i) Christ's teaching;
(ii) Paul's teachings;
(iii) the resurrection of Christ's body.
Origen's views on the resurrection were also discussed.
What grabbed me
I liked Methodius' comments on the ongoing sinfulness of Christians: 'For while the body still lives, before it has passed through death, sin must also live with it, as it has its roots concealed within us even though it be externally checked by the wounds inflicted by corrections and warnings; since, otherwise, it would not happen that we do wrong after baptism, as we should be entirely and absolutely free from sin. But now, even after believing, and after the time of being touched by the water of sanctification, we are oftentimes found in sin. For no one can boast of being so free from sin as not even to have an evil thought. So that it is come to pass that sin is now restrained and lulled to sleep by faith, so that it does not produce injurious fruits, but yet is not torn up by the roots. For the present we restrain its sprouts, such as evil imaginations, "lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble" us, not suffering its leaves to unclose and open into shoots; while the Word, like an axe, cuts at its roots which grow below. But hereafter the very thought of evil will disappear.'
The Christian wins some battles with sin, but the fight is not over until death or Christ's return.
Next week's reading
Read 'Fragments'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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