On the incarnation - Athanasius - VII - Chapter 8 (Refutation of the Gentiles continued)

Required reading
On the incarnation by Athanasius (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 8 (Refutation of the Gentiles continued).

My summary
Today we finish the book with Athanasius' final refutation of Gentile religion in Chapter 8.

Athanasius basically points to the fruit of Christianity among Gentiles as proof that the incarnation is a reality.  He sums up his thoughts at the end of Chapter 8 with these words: 'The substance of what we have said so far may be summarized as follows. Since the Savior came to dwell among us, not only does idolatry no longer increase, but it is getting less and gradually ceasing to be. Similarly, not only does the wisdom of the Greeks no longer make any progress, but that which used to be is disappearing. And demons, so far from continuing to impose on people by their deceits and oracle-givings and sorceries, are routed by the sign of the cross if they so much as try. On the other hand, while idolatry and everything else that opposes the faith of Christ is daily dwindling and weakening and falling, see, the Savior's teaching is increasing everywhere!'

Then in the Conclusion Athanasius exhorts the reader to continue examining the truth of the Scriptures concerning Christ.

What grabbed me
I liked how Athanasius ended his work by pointing not to the first coming of Christ, but to the second coming of Christ: 'From the Scriptures you will learn also of His second manifestation to us, glorious and divine indeed, when He shall come not in lowliness but in His proper glory, no longer in humiliation but in majesty, no longer to suffer but to bestow on us all the fruit of His cross--the resurrection and incorruptibility. No longer will He then be judged, but rather will Himself be Judge, judging each and all according to their deeds done in the body, whether good or ill. Then for the good is laid up the heavenly kingdom, but for those that practice evil outer darkness and the eternal fire. So also the Lord Himself says, "I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of Man seated on the right hand of power, coming on the clouds of heaven in the glory of the Father." For that Day we have one of His own sayings to prepare us, "Get ready and watch, for ye know not the hour in which He cometh." And blessed Paul says, "We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive according as he practiced in the body, whether good or ill."'

As marvelous as the first coming of Jesus was in the incarnation, we mustn't simply look back, but must look ahead to the marvelous second coming of Christ.

Next week's reading
Commence 'The obedience of a Christian man' by William Tyndale (Available from Amazon or free here) by reading the Introductory note and then start the Preface to the reader by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'That thou mayest perceive how that the Scripture ought to be in the mother tongue, and that the reasons which our spirits make for the contrary, are but sophistry and false wiles to fear thee from the light, that though mightest follow them blindfold, and be their captive to honour their ceremonies, and to offer to their belly...'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.