Apostasy Quote by The Church Fathers
““And since the apostasy tyrannized over us unjustly, and, though we were by nature the property of the omnipotent God, alienated us contrary to nature, rendering us its own disciples, the Word of God, powerful in all things, and not defective with regard to His own justice, did righteously turn against that apostasy, and redeem from it His own property, not by violent means, as the [apostasy] had obtained dominion over us at the beginning, when it insatiably snatched away what was not its own, but by means of persuasion, as became a God of counsel, who does not use violent means to obtain what He desires; so that neither should justice be infringed upon, nor the ancient handiwork of God go to destruction. Since the Lord thus has redeemed us through His own blood, giving His soul for our souls, and His flesh for our flesh, and has also poured out the Spirit of the Father for the union and communion of God and man, imparting indeed God to men by means of the Spirit, and, on the other hand, attaching man to God by His own incarnation, and bestowing upon us at His coming immortality durably and truly, by means of communion with God,—all the doctrines of the heretics fall to ruin.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Early Christian writings, 2nd–5th century
The passage argues that God redeems humanity not through force but through persuasion, offering spiritual union and immortality, thereby invalidating heretical teachings.
In simple terms: God saves by persuasion, not violence, granting eternal life and unity.
Seek spiritual truth through gentle conviction.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal faith decisions
- church teachings
- interfaith dialogue
- spiritual formation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can gentle persuasion overcome deep-seated belief systems?
- What role does divine grace play in personal transformation?
Persuasion may be ineffective against entrenched violent ideologies.