Ante-Nicene Fathers (Volume 1) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Irenaeus Against Heresies Book V.
Today we close the fifth and final book from Irenaeus 'Against heresies' with a strong focus on eschatology.
In today's reading we hear about:
(i) God the Father and God the Son's roles in creation;
(ii) the importance of the virgin birth;
(iii) the authority of the true church;
(iv) Satan's history and activities;
(v) the antichrist;
(vi) the eschatological prophecies of John, Daniel, Jeremiah and Isaiah;
(vii) the final reward of unbelievers and believers.
I think this warning from Irenaeus is a good way to close our reading of the work in the book club: 'Those, therefore, who desert the preaching of the Church, call in question the knowledge of the holy presbyters, not taking into consideration of how much greater consequence is a religious man, even in a private station, than a blasphemous and impudent sophist. Now, such are all the heretics, and those who imagine that they have hit upon something more beyond the truth, so that by following those things already mentioned, proceeding on their way variously, inharmoniously, and foolishly, not keeping always to the same opinions with regard to the same things, as blind men are led by the blind, they shall deservedly fall into the ditch of ignorance lying in their path, ever seeking and never finding out the truth. It behoves us, therefore, to avoid their doctrines, and to take careful heed lest we suffer any injury from them; but to flee to the Church, and be brought up in her bosom, and be nourished with the Lord’s Scriptures.'
Flee from heresy into a church that teaches right doctrine from the Word.
Next week's reading
Read 'Fragments from the lost writings of Irenaeus'.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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