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  BY DEATH I SHALL ATTAIN TRUE LIFE
  by Ignatius of Antioch
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Summary: Ignatius emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal life
through Jesus Christ, rather than pursuing worldly wealth and power.

Topics: "Sacrificial Living", "Eternal Life"
Scripture References: Mark 8:36, John 11:25, Romans 6:23, Philippians 3:10, 1 John 5:12

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DESCRIPTION
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Ignatius of Antioch passionately preaches about the worthlessness of
worldly kingdoms compared to the value of sacrificing for Jesus Christ,
emphasizing the eternal significance of gaining the soul over worldly
gain. He expresses his longing for Jesus Christ, the Son of the true
God, who died and rose again, urging believers not to hinder others from
attaining true life in Christ. Ignatius stresses the importance of
belonging to God and imitating the passion of Christ, seeking
understanding and sympathy from those who have Christ within them.

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CONTENT
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All the ends of the world, and all the kingdoms of this earth, shall
profit me nothing. It is better for me to die for the sake of Jesus
Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth. "For what is a man
profited, if he gain the whole world, but lose his own soul? "I long
after the Lord, the Son of the true God and Father, even Jesus Christ.
Him I seek, who died for us and rose again.

Pardon me, brethren: do not hinder me in attaining to life; for Jesus is
the life of believers. Do not wish to keep me in a state of death, for
life without Christ is death. While I desire to belong to God, do not ye
give me over to the world. Suffer me to obtain pure light: when I have
gone thither, I shall indeed be a man of God. Permit me to be an
imitator of the passion of Christ, my God.

If any one has Him within himself, let him consider what I desire, and
let him have sympathy with me, as knowing how I am straitened.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/by-death-i-shall-attain-true-life/
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