![As the Church continues its celebration of 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), we would do well to consider some of the less commented upon participants, including the most significant theologian to write in the Syriac language, St. Ephraim, who attended in comparable function to that of the more often cited St. Athanasius, as a Bishops personal assistant.
Below is the full text of his 23rd Reflection on God entitled, Our Savior, Both God and Man.
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Our Savior, both God and Man
We confess one and the same individual as perfect God and perfect Man. He is God the Word Which was [made] flesh.
For if He was not flesh, why was Mary chosen? And if He is not God, whom does Gabriel call Lord?
If He was not flesh, who was laid in a manger? And if He is not God, whom did the angels who came down from heaven glorify? If He was not flesh, who was wrapped in swaddling clothes? And if He is not God, in whose honor did the star appear?
If He was not flesh, whom did Simeon hold in his arms? And if He is not God, to whom did Simeon say: Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace?
If He was not flesh, whom did Joseph take when he fled into Egypt? And if He is not God, who fulfilled the prophesy: Out of Egypt have I called my Son?
If He was not flesh, whom did John baptize? And if He is not God, to whom did the Father say: This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased?
If He was not flesh, who hungered in the desert? And if He is not God, unto whom did the angels come and minister?
If He was not flesh, who was invited to the marriage in Cana of Galilee? And if He is not God, who turned the water into wine?
If He was not flesh, who took the loaves in the desert? And if He is not God, who fed the five thousand men and their women and children with five loaves and two fish?
If He was not flesh, who slept in the ship? And if He is not God, who rebuked the waves and the sea?
If He was not flesh, with whom did Simon the Pharisee sit at meat? And if He is not God, who forgave the sins of the harlot?
If He was not flesh, who wore a man’s garment? And if He is not God, who healed the woman with an issue of blood when she touched His garment?
If He was not flesh, who spat on the ground and made clay? And if He is not God, who gave sight to the eyes of the blind man with that clay?
If He was not flesh, who wept at Lazarus’ grave? And if He is not God, who commanded him to come forth out of the grave four days after his death?
If He was not flesh, whom did the Jews arrest in the garden? And if He is not God, who cast them to the ground with the words: I am He?
If He was not flesh, who was judged before Pilate? And if He is not God, who frightened Pilate’s wife in a dream?
If He was not flesh, whose garments were stripped from Him and parted by the soldiers? And if He is not God, why was the sun darkened upon His crucifixion?
If He was not flesh, who was crucified on the Cross? And if He is not God, who shook the foundations of the earth?
If He was not flesh, whose hands and feet were nailed to the Cross? And if He is not God, how did it happen that the veil of the temple was rent in twain, the rocks were rent, and the graves were opened?
If He was not flesh, who hung on the Cross between the two thieves? And if He is not God, how could He say to the thief: Today thou shalt be with me in paradise?
If He was not flesh, who cried out and gave up the ghost? And if He is not God, whose cry caused many bodies of the saints which slept to arise?
If He was not flesh, whom did the women see laid in the grave? And if He is not God, about whom did the angel say to them: He has arisen, He is not here?
If He was not flesh, whom did Thomas touch when he put his hands into the prints of the nails? And if He is not God, who entered through the doors that were shut? If He was not flesh, who ate at the sea of Tiberias? And if He is not God, on whose orders were the nets filled with fishes?
If He was not flesh, whom did the apostles see carried up into heaven? And if He is not God, who ascended to the joyful cries of the angels, and to whom did the Father proclaim: sit at My right hand?
If He is not God and man then, indeed, our salvation is false, and false are the pronouncements of the prophets.
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Understanding the Foundation of Grace in Scripture will give you a much clearer picture of sovereignty of God. From the early church fathers to those on the cutting edge of Radical Grace today, you will find a long line of men who have upheld the grace foundation of God’s word. In this course we will explore a survey of scriptures to show that the Bible in its entirety teaches the doctrinal Foundation of Grace.
The true nature of God is demonstrated in His grace, as seen in His love for all humanity. While all men deserve wrath, God moved heaven and earth to save man, the pinnacle of His creation. This He did, because the essence of God is love. In this course, you will learn about the true nature of God demonstrated by love and grace toward all mankind from the foundation of the world.
The Identity that God established for you before time began is the key that empowers you and is the single most important factor in a life of authority and power as a believer. In this course you will learn your Identity in Christ and you will come to a complete understanding that we live in Him, and He in us. This Identity gives the same power and authority to walk in heavenly realms as He does. We are then able to declare the kingdom of God on earth with signs and wonders following.
God’s desire for us is that we should prosper and succeed in every area of life. Grace moves us toward this success. God does not want us to become stunted in our growth because we have allowed legalism to cut off our taproot into grace. In this course we will discover how Grace empowers you to become all that God designed you to be, apart from the Law or expectations of others. You will learn how Grace, apart from the Law, gives all men security and stability to grow and change.
Paul’s letter to the Romans may be the most influential book in the history of Christianity. It was the Book of Romans that started the Reformation of the 16th great spiritual awakening since then. In this course you will learn all that Jesus accomplished for the human race when He declared “It is finished.” Romans will lay the foundation and bring the revelation that will equip you to release your world with the message of Radical Grace.
Through grace and the finished work of Christ, God secured for mankind absolute peace, yet most of us waver in our understanding of that peace. At its core, this security is rooted in our union with God in Christ. In this course you will learn all that grace has freely given to mankind through Salvation. Salvation is a full package of benefits that includes forgiveness of sins, healing, deliverance, and prosperity. This course will expand upon “It is finished” and the full relationship to God it provides.
Paul is the only writer in the New Testament who calls the gospel “My Gospel” (Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, & II Timothy 2:8). Paul’s message differs from all the other writers in the New Testament. In this course we will explore what makes Paul’s revelation distinctive from all others. You will study Paul’s teaching on no sin, no condemnation, no delay, no distance, life and immortality. Learn the unique features of Paul’s post resurrection revelations found in no other gospel.
Throughout the Bible we discover literal or figurative expressions that constitute the human condition. Words like heart and mind seem to be used interchangeably with spirit and soul. Yet Paul makes a clear distinction of God’s desire for our wholeness, Spirit, Soul & Body (I Thessalonians 5:23). In this course we will explore the differences between Spirit, Soul, and Body. We will also learn how to separate the spirit from the soul for clarification and then unite them for cooperation. This course will teach you how to bring Spirit, Soul, and Body together to function as the three part man that God intended.
Radical grace is not a new doctrine or truth that is just impacting our world today. In this course you will learn the roots of radical grace as taught by early church fathers. The Reformers themselves were convinced that pure grace was not only biblical but historical. Both the apostles and early church fathers walked in agreement that the heart of the gospel is Radical Grace.
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