January 2

REASON, THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS, AND THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

( The above theme taken from: Christ Triumphant, Thomas Allin )

-It is impossible to establish a system of beliefs without at least three very important things. These three things are:

1. Reason

2. The Early Church Fathers

3. The Holy Scriptures

-Those who study the Bible will notice the harmony of these three things. Let us take a look at each one of the above mentioned aspects. This will enable us to properly formulate a sound system of beliefs in God.

-1. As far as reason is concerned, Isaiah 1:18 states, … Come now, and let us REASON together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. The word "reason" means: to debate a case in court. The connotation of legal confrontation is clearly attached to this word. You must confront your beliefs and put them to the test! Don’t just simply believe something because everyone else does! Find out the truth for yourself!

-2. Let us take a look at what some of the most respected early Church Fathers believed and taught ... -“We assert that the Word, Who is the wisdom of God, shall bring together all intelligent creatures, and convert them into His own perfection, through the instrumentality of their free will and of their own exertions. The Word is more powerful then all the diseases of the soul, and He applies His remedies to each one according to the pleasure of God - for the name of God is to be invoked by all, so that all shall serve Him with one consent.”

( Origen )

-"The Son breaking in pieces His enemies is for the sake of remoulding them."

( Origen )

-"All men are Christ’s, some by knowing Him, the others not yet. He by the Father’s will directs the salvation of all."

( Clement of Alexandria )

-"He saves all universally, but some are converted by punishment, others by voluntary submission."

( Clement of Alexandria )

-"Everything shall be subdued to Christ, and they shall be subdued by a full knowledge of Him and by a remodeling."

( Gregory of Nyssa )

-"All punishments are means of purification, ordained by divine love to purge rational beings from moral evil and to restore them back to communion with God … God would not have permitted the experience of hell unless He had foreseen through redemption, that all rational beings would, in the end, attain to the same blessed fellowship with Himself."

( Gregory of Nyssa )

-3. When a proper study is done of the Holy Scriptures, it will become undeniable that the truth of a universal salvation is taught and was purchased by the Lord Jesus Christ. The scriptures speak of Jesus having saved:

-All Men

-Every Man

-All Families

-All Flesh

-All Nations

-All Things

-The World

-The Whole World

-The Entire Creation

-ENJOY YOUR SEARCH!-