Monday, February 05, 2007

Ignatius' concluding theology...

Ignatius ends his letter with another rant at false teachers, who will end up in everlasting fire, (chapter 17) and their false doctrine which is described as a false odour (chapter 18). In comparison to this we have Jesus Christ, who is presented as the knowledge of God.

As is suitable for such an admirer of Paul, Ignatius then proceeds to glory in the cross of Christ, which is a source of salvation and eternal life. His brief summary of the life of Jesus ends with the enigmatic statement that Jesus, through his passion, purified the waters of his baptism.

Chapter 20 then lists 3 mysteries which Ignatius believes were hidden from Satan but now revealed: the virginity of Mary, her son, and the cross of Christ.

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