On the #divinity of #Jesus #Christ
Beloved members of John's Repentance, When we speak of the divinity of Christ, we tread upon holy ground, for this is a matter of utmost importance and profound mystery. It is not a doctrine that is grasped by the intellect alone, but rather, it is understood through the heart, in the light of divine revelation and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The heretics and the reformers, in their limited understanding and their departure from the true faith, have put forth the notion that Jesus Christ is merely a mediator, a bridge between God and man. But let us refute this false teaching with the words of the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church Fathers.
In the Gospel according to John, Jesus speaks clearly of His divine nature. He declares, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). These words are not the words of a mere mediator or prophet. These are the words of God Himself, speaking in the flesh. And when the Jews took up stones to stone Him, accusing Him of blasphemy, He responded, “Do you say of Him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?” (John 10:36).
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of Christ’s divine nature, saying, “Though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7). Here, we see that Christ, though He is God, took on human flesh, humbling Himself for our sake.
Christ came into the world not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). He is the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). And by His death and resurrection, He has trampled down death, and has opened to us the gates of paradise.
Furthermore, the miracles of Christ attest to His divinity. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and raised the dead. He calmed the storm and walked on water. He fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. These are not the deeds of a mere man, but of God Himself, working wonders in our midst.
In conclusion, dear brethren, let us hold fast to the orthodox teaching of the Church, affirming the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is true God and true man, the Word made flesh, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Let us worship Him, adore Him, and give thanks to Him, for He is worthy of all praise and honor, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen.
© John's Repentance
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About St. #George: the great martyr and warrior for the faith
Beloved members of John's Repentance spiritual service, in the Lord, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Today is the monthly feast of St. George and hence let us read about him and partake of his blessings.
👉 Inquiry: What is the significance of this iconic depiction of Saint George?
✍ Response: We have spoken at length, dear brethren, on the sacred art of iconography, its origins steeped in Holy Tradition, its sanctified practice endorsed by the guardians of the Faith, and its necessity as a window to the divine. The image of the martyr Saint George, resplendent on his steed, lance in hand, plunging into the dragon, is not a mere depiction of mortal combat but a rich set of spiritual truth.
This scene is an edifying spectacle, illustrating not only Saint George's noble upbringing but also his spiritual ascent. Consider the young saint, who, at the tender age of ten, had already mastered the spear. This weapon, both in physical and spiritual terms, symbolizes the Word of God, sharp and double-edged, piercing the very soul and spirit. And as he grew in stature, he sojourned among the pagans proclaiming, "Behold, I am George, servant of Christ the King."
Saint George relinquished the earthly titles bestowed upon him at his father’s demise, seeking instead the celestial crown offered by the King of kings. On reaching the age of maturity, the governor of his land wished to tether him to worldly concerns through marriage, but the Holy Spirit destined him for a heavenly union. When the governor perished, Saint George journeyed to Beirut, where providence led him to a maiden bound to a tree.
This maiden, destined for the maw of the draconic beast, represents the soul ensnared by sin, awaiting the deliverance only Christ can offer. The dragon, an embodiment of the evil one, exhibits traits of ferocity and deception. Its defeat at the hands of Saint George was a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory over evil through Christ.
Saint George, upon encountering the weeping maiden, hearkened not to his own safety but rather declared, "I may lack a beard, yet the One who stands with me shall triumph." This declaration is a testament to the indwelling power of the Triune God, for in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, he engaged the beast.
The ensuing victory over the dragon was more than a physical conquest; it was a demonstration of divine power. Saint George implored the onlookers to turn from their idolatry and embrace the truth of God. Upon their assent, he dispatched the dragon and raised a church as a beacon of faith.
Thus, the image of Saint George slaying the dragon is not a mere depiction of heroism; it is a narrative icon that speaks of salvation, of the warrior saint’s sacrificial spirit, and of the transformative power of God's grace.
Brethren, let us then regard the figure of Saint George not simply as a subject of artistic portrayal but as an exemplar of virtue. In the visage of this saint, we are reminded that our own lives are to be a living icon, manifesting Christ to the world through our actions, our sufferings, and our steadfast faith.
May the deeds of Saint George inspire us to combat the dragons of our time—sin, despair, and faithlessness—with the spear of truth and the shield of faith. And let us, in our veneration, echo the faith of our forebears: honoring not only the saint but the One who crowned him, even unto death on the battlefield of this world.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen.
© John's Repentance
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