Ig finishes his letter to the Trallians by warning them against the teachings of the Docetists. These people believe that Jesus did not have a real body, and Ignatius pleads with the churches to keep soul and body together. There is not one without the other.
He then starts a letter to the Roman church. They must want to try to help him escape martyrdom. "It is difficult to attain to God if ye spare me." Ignatius is condemned and feels called to carry through with his execution so he can see God. He wants the animals to completely destroy his body so that the churches do not have to deal with it. "Let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me; only let me attain to Jesus Christ." If only people were so willing to suffer for the Lord today.
Ignatius also worries that he might be reprobate. I just downloaded R.C. Sproul's eBook on how to know one is saved. I believe Ignatius will be with the elect in heaven and has nothing to worry about. He would not care otherwise.
No comments:
Post a Comment