Their Dangerous Errors
Ignatius warns against the dangers of denying Christ and emphasizes the importance of confessing Him as God incarnate.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of confessing and acknowledging Jesus Christ as God incarnate, highlighting the severe consequences of denying Him. He expresses disappointment in those who advocate falsehood and blaspheme the Lord, stating that such individuals are enveloped in spiritual death. Ignatius refrains from naming these unbelievers, hoping for their repentance before any mention is made of them.
Text
Some have ignorantly denied Him, and advocate falsehood rather than the truth. These persons neither have the prophecies persuaded, nor the law of Moses, nor the Gospel even to this day, nor the sufferings we have individually endured. For they think also the same thing regarding us. For what does it profit, if any one commends me, but blasphemes my Lord, not owning Him to be God incarnate?
He that does not confess this, has in fact altogether denied Him, being enveloped in death. I have not, however, thought good to write the names of such persons, inasmuch as they are unbelievers; and far be it from me to make any mention of them, until they repent.
Sermon Outline
- The Ignorance of Those Who Deny Christ
- The Consequences of Denying Christ
- The Importance of Confessing Christ
- Confessing Christ is essential for salvation
- We must not mention those who deny Christ until they repent
Key Quotes
“He that does not confess this, has in fact altogether denied Him, being enveloped in death.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We must be careful not to deny Christ in our words or actions.
- Confessing Christ is essential for our salvation and spiritual growth.
- We should not judge or condemn those who deny Christ, but rather pray for their repentance.