On the Incarnation of the Word

Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation of the Word. Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 4 (Schaff and Wace, 1892), public domain.

Passages · 55

On the Incarnation of the Word §1 — §2. Erroneous views of Creation rejected. (1) Epicurean (fortuitous generation). But diversity of bodies and parts argues a creating intellect. (2.) Platonists (pre-existent matter.) But this subjects God to human…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §2 — §3. The true doctrine. Creation out of nothing, of God’s lavish bounty of being. Man created above the rest, but incapable of independent perseverance. Hence the exceptional and supra-natural gift of being in God’s…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §3 — §4. Our creation and God’s Incarnation most intimately connected. As by the Word man was called from non-existence into being, and further received the grace of a divine life, so by the one fault which forfeited that…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §4 — For God has not only made us out of nothing; but He gave us freely, by the Grace of the Word, a life in correspondence with God. §5. For God has not only made us out of nothing; but He gave us freely, by the Grace of…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §5 — §6. The human race then was wasting, God’s image was being effaced, and His work ruined. Either, then, God must forego His spoken word by which man had incurred ruin; or that which had shared in the being of the Word…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §6 — §7. On the other hand there was the consistency of God’s nature, not to be sacrificed for our profit. Were men, then, to be called upon to repent? But repentance cannot avert the execution of a law; still less can it…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §7 — §8. The Word, then, visited that earth in which He was yet always present ; and saw all these evils. He takes a body of our Nature, and that of a spotless Virgin, in whose womb He makes it His own, wherein to reveal…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §8 — §9. The Word, since death alone could stay the plague, took a mortal body which, united with Him, should avail for all, and by partaking of His immortality stay the corruption of the Race. By being above all, He made…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §9 — §10. By a like simile, the reasonableness of the work of redemption is shewn. How Christ wiped away our ruin, and provided its antidote by His own teaching. Scripture proofs of the Incarnation of the Word, and of the…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §10 — §11. Second reason for the Incarnation. God, knowing that man was not by nature sufficient to know Him, gave him, in order that he might have some profit in being, a knowledge of Himself. He made them in the Image of…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §11 — §12. For though man was created in grace, God, foreseeing his forgetfulness, provided also the works of creation to remind man of him. Yet further, He ordained a Law and Prophets, whose ministry was meant for all the…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §12 — §13. Here again, was God to keep silence? to allow to false gods the worship He made us to render to Himself? A king whose subjects had revolted would, after sending letters and messages, go to them in person. How…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §13 — §14. A portrait once effaced must be restored from the original. Thus the Son of the Father came to seek, save, and regenerate. No other way was possible. Blinded himself, man could not see to heal. The witness of…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §14 — §15. Thus the Word condescended to man’s engrossment in corporeal things, by even taking a body. All man’s superstitions He met halfway; whether men were inclined to worship Nature, Man, Demons, or the dead, He…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §15 — He came then to attract man's sense-bound attention to Himself as man, and so to lead him on to know Him as God. §16. He came then to attract man’s sense-bound attention to Himself as man, and so to lead him on to…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §16 — How the Incarnation did not limit the ubiquity of the Word, nor diminish His Purity. (Simile of the Sun.). §17. How the Incarnation did not limit the ubiquity of the Word, nor diminish His Purity. (Simile of the…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §17 — How the Word and Power of God works in His human actions: by casting out devils, by Miracles, by His Birth of the Virgin. §18. How the Word and Power of God works in His human actions: by casting out devils, by…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §18 — Man, unmoved by nature, was to be taught to know God by that sacred Manhood, Whose deity all nature confessed, especially in His Death. §19. Man, unmoved by nature, was to be taught to know God by that sacred…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §19 — §20. None, then, could bestow incorruption, but He Who had made, none restore the likeness of God, save His Own Image, none quicken, but the Life, none teach, but the Word. And He, to pay our debt of death, must also…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §20 — §21. Death brought to nought by the death of Christ. Why then did not Christ die privately, or in a more honourable way? He was not subject to natural death, but had to die at the hands of others. Why then did He…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §21 — §22. But why did He not withdraw His body from the Jews, and so guard its immortality? (1) It became Him not to inflict death on Himself, and yet not to shun it. (2) He came to receive death as the due of others,…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §22 — Necessity of a public death for the doctrine of the Resurrection. But even if, without any disease and without any pain, He had hidden His body away privily and by Himself “in a corner,” or in a desert place, or in a…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §23 — §24. Further objections anticipated. He did not choose His manner of death; for He was to prove Conqueror of death in all or any of its forms: (simile of a good wrestler). The death chosen to disgrace Him proved the…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §24 — §25. Why the Cross, of all deaths? (1) He had to bear the curse for us. (2) On it He held out His hands to unite all, Jews and Gentiles, in Himself. (3) He defeated the “Prince of the powers of the air” in His own…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §25 — §26. Reasons for His rising on the Third Day. (1) Not sooner for else His real death would be denied, nor (2) later; to (a) guard the identity of His body, (b) not to keep His disciples too long in suspense, nor (c)…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §26 — The change wrought by the Cross in the relation of Death to Man. §27. The change wrought by the Cross in the relation of Death to Man. For that death is destroyed, and that the Cross is become the victory over it,…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §27 — This exceptional fact must be tested by experience. Let those who doubt it become Christians. §28. This exceptional fact must be tested by experience. Let those who doubt it become Christians. Is this, then, a slight…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §28 — Here then are wonderful effects, and a sufficient cause, the Cross, to account for them, as sunrise accounts for daylight. §29. Here then are wonderful effects, and a sufficient cause, the Cross, to account for them,…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §29 — §30. The reality of the resurrection proved by facts: (1) the victory over death described above: (2) the Wonders of Grace are the work of One Living, of One who is God: (3) if the gods be (as alleged) real and…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §30 — §31. If Power is the sign of life, what do we learn from the impotence of idols, for good or evil, and the constraining power of Christ and of the Sign of the Cross? Death and the demons are by this proved to have…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §31 — §32. But who is to see Him risen, so as to believe? Nay, God is ever invisible and known by His works only: and here the works cry out in proof. If you do not believe, look at those who do, and perceive the Godhead…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §32 — Unbelief of Jews and scoffing of Greeks. The former confounded by their own Scriptures. Prophecies of His coming as God and as Man. §33. Unbelief of Jews and scoffing of Greeks. The former confounded by their own…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §33 — Prophecies of His passion and death in all its circumstances. Nor is even His death passed over in silence: on the contrary, it is referred to in the divine Scriptures, even exceeding clearly. For to the end that…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §34 — Prophecies of the Cross. How these prophecies are satisfied in Christ alone. But, perhaps, having heard the prophecy of His death, you ask to learn also what is set forth concerning the Cross. For not even this is…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §35 — Prophecies of Christ's sovereignty, flight into Egypt, &c. But what king that ever was, before he had strength to call father or mother, reigned and gained triumphs over his enemies? Did not David come to the throne…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §36 — 16, &c. Majesty of His birth and death. Confusion of oracles and demons in Egypt. §37. Psalm xxii. 16, &c. Majesty of His birth and death. Confusion of oracles and demons in Egypt. Or who among those recorded in…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §37 — Other clear prophecies of the coming of God in the flesh. Christ's miracles unprecedented. §38. Other clear prophecies of the coming of God in the flesh. Christ’s miracles unprecedented. For if they do not think…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §38 — Do you look for another? But Daniel foretells the exact time. Objections to this removed. §39. Do you look for another? But Daniel foretells the exact time. Objections to this removed. But perhaps, being unable, even…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §39 — §41. Answer to the Greeks. Do they recognise the Logos? If He manifests Himself in the organism of the Universe, why not in one Body? for a human body is a part of the same whole. But one cannot but be utterly…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §40 — §42. His union with the body is based upon His relation to Creation as a whole. He used a human body, since to man it was that He wished to reveal Himself. For just as, while the whole body is quickened and illumined…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §41 — §43. He came in human rather than in any nobler form, because (I) He came to save, not to impress ; (2) man alone of creatures had sinned. As men would not recognise His works in the Universe, He came and worked…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §42 — §44. As God made man by a word, why not restore him by a word? But (1) creation out of nothing is different from reparation of what already exists. (2) Man was there with a definite need, calling for a definite…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §43 — §45. Thus once again every part of creation manifests the glory of God. Nature, the witness to her Creator, yields (by miracles) a second testimony to God Incarnate. The witness of Nature, perverted by man’s sin, was…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §44 — §46. Discredit, from the date of the Incarnation, of idol-cultus, oracles, mythologies, demoniacal energy, magic, and Gentile philosophy. And whereas the old cults were strictly local and independent, the worship of…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §45 — §47. The numerous oracles,—fancied apparitions in sacred places, &c., dispelled by the sign of the Cross. The old gods prove to have been mere men. Magic is exposed. And whereas Philosophy could only persuade select…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §46 — §48. Further facts. Christian continence of virgins and ascetics. Martyrs. The power of the Cross against demons and magic. Christ by His Power shews Himself more than a man, more than a magician, more than a spirit.…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §47 — §49. His Birth and Miracles. You call Asclepius, Heracles, and Dionysus gods for their works. Contrast their works with His, and the wonders at His death, &c. For what man, that ever was born, formed a body for…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §48 — Impotence and rivalries of the Sophists put to shame by the Death of Christ. His Resurrection unparalleled even in Greek legend. §50. Impotence and rivalries of the Sophists put to shame by the Death of Christ. His…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §49 — The new virtue of continence. Revolution of Society, purified and pacified by Christianity. §51. The new virtue of continence. Revolution of Society, purified and pacified by Christianity. Which of mankind, again,…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §50 — Wars, &c., roused by demons, lulled by Christianity. Who then is He that has done this, or who is He that has united in peace men that hated one another, save the beloved Son of the Father, the common Saviour of all,…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §51 — The whole fabric of Gentilism levelled at a blow by Christ secretly addressing the conscience of Man. §53. The whole fabric of Gentilism levelled at a blow by Christ secretly addressing the conscience of Man. And to…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §52 — §54. The Word Incarnate, as is the case with the Invisible God, is known to us by His works. By them we recognise His deifying mission. Let us be content to enumerate a few of them, leaving their dazzling plentitude…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §53 — Summary of foregoing. Cessation of pagan oracles, &c.: propagation of the faith. The true King has come forth and silenced all usurpers. §55. Summary of foregoing. Cessation of pagan oracles, &c.: propagation of the…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §54 — Search then, the Scriptures, if you can, and so fill up this sketch. Learn to look for the Second Advent and Judgment. §56. Search then, the Scriptures, if you can, and so fill up this sketch. Learn to look for the…vatican.va
On the Incarnation of the Word §55 — Above all, so live that you may have the right to eat of this tree of knowledge and life, and so come to eternal joys. Doxology. §57. Above all, so live that you may have the right to eat of this tree of knowledge…vatican.va

Scripture cited · 91 verses

Genesis 1:1 · Genesis 2:15 · Genesis 2:16 · Numbers 24:5 · Numbers 24:6 · Numbers 24:7 · Numbers 24:8 · Numbers 24:9 · Numbers 24:10 · Numbers 24:11 · Numbers 24:12 · Numbers 24:13 · Numbers 24:14 · Numbers 24:15 · Numbers 24:16 · Numbers 24:17 · Deuteronomy 21:23 · Deuteronomy 28:66 · Job 18:14 · Psalm 22:16 · Psalm 24:7 · Psalm 55:4 · Psalm 82:6 · Psalm 89:47 · Ecclesiastes 7:29 · Wisdom 2:23 · Wisdom 6:18 · Isaiah 2:4 · Isaiah 7:14 · Isaiah 8:4 · Isaiah 11:9 · Isaiah 11:10 · Isaiah 19:1 · Isaiah 35:3 · Isaiah 53:3 · Isaiah 54:13 · Isaiah 65:1 · Isaiah 65:2 · Jeremiah 11:19 · Jeremiah 31:34 · Daniel 9:24 · Hosea 11:1 · Matthew 1:23 · Matthew 19:4 · Matthew 24:42 · Matthew 26:64 · Matthew 27:42 · Luke 24:11 · John 1:3 · John 3:3 · John 3:5 · John 9:32 · John 10:17 · John 10:18 · John 10:37 · John 12:32 · Acts 2:24 · Acts 17:27 · Acts 17:28 · Acts 26:26 · Romans 1:21 · Romans 1:22 · Romans 1:25 · Romans 1:26 · Romans 3:26 · Romans 5:14 · Romans 10:20 · Romans 14:10 · 1 Corinthians 1:21 · 1 Corinthians 2:8 · 1 Corinthians 2:9 · 1 Corinthians 8:6 · 1 Corinthians 15:21 · 1 Corinthians 15:53 · 2 Corinthians 5:10 · 2 Corinthians 5:14 · Galatians 3:13 · Galatians 3:19 · Galatians 6:17 · Ephesians 2:2 · Ephesians 2:14 · Ephesians 3:18 · Colossians 2:15 · 1 Timothy 6:15 · Hebrews 2:9 · Hebrews 2:14 · Hebrews 4:12 · Hebrews 10:20 · Hebrews 11:3 · 1 Peter 2:22 · 2 Peter 1:4

Passages · 55

Scripture cited · 91 verses

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