First Worse Then the Better
The speaker explains the order of events in God's plan, highlighting the roles of Elias, Simon, and the speaker in preparing the way for the true Christ.
Clement of Rome speaks about the sequence of events leading up to the revelation of Jesus Christ and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness. He discusses the coming of false prophets, the spread of the true Gospel, the rise of Antichrist, and the final revelation of Jesus as the Christ, bringing an end to darkness. Clement emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contrast between deception and truth, ignorance and knowledge, disease and healing, as part of the divine plan for salvation.
Text
In like manner, the combination with respect to Elias, which behooved to have come, has been willingly put off to another time, having determined to enjoy it conveniently hereafter. Wherefore, also, he who was among those born of woman came first; then he who was among the sons of men came second.
It were possible, following this order, to perceive to what series Simon belongs, who came before me to the Gentiles, and to which I belong who have come after him, and have come in upon him as light upon darkness, as knowledge upon ignorance, as healing upon disease.
And thus, as the true Prophet has told us, a false prophet must first come from some deceiver; and then, in like manner, after the removal of the holy place, the true Gospel must be secretly sent abroad for the rectification of the heresies that shall be. After this, also, towards the end, Antichrist must first come, and then our Jesus must be revealed to be indeed the Christ; and after this, the eternal light having sprung up, all the things of darkness must disappear.
Sermon Outline
- The Order of Events
- Elias' role in the sequence
- Simon's role in the sequence
- The speaker's role in the sequence
Key Quotes
“It were possible, following this order, to perceive to what series Simon belongs, who came before me to the Gentiles, and to which I belong who have come after him, and have come in upon him as light upon darkness, as knowledge upon ignorance, as healing upon disease.” — Clement of Rome
“After this, also, towards the end, Antichrist must first come, and then our Jesus must be revealed to be indeed the Christ;” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- Recognize the order of events in God's plan, which includes the roles of Elias, Simon, and the speaker.
- Understand the significance of the false prophet and the true Gospel in rectifying heresies and preparing the way for the true Christ.
- Be prepared for the coming of Antichrist and the revelation of Jesus Christ as the true Christ.