Three Celebrated Mysteries
Ignatius of Antioch explains the significance of three celebrated mysteries: the virginity of Mary, the death of the Lord, and the star in heaven.
Ignatius of Antioch preaches about the hidden mysteries surrounding the virginity of Mary, the birth and death of Jesus, and the revelation of God in human form. He describes a new star that appeared in the heavens, surpassing all others in brightness, causing worldly wisdom, conjuration, and magic to pale in comparison. The manifestation of God as man and man displaying divine power led to the disruption of wickedness, ignorance, and tyrannical authority, as God's plan for the abolition of death unfolded in tumultuous times.
Text
Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence, but have been revealed to us. A star shone forth in heaven above all that were before it, and its light was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment.
And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star. It far exceeded them all in brightness, and agitation was felt as to whence this new spectacle [proceeded]. Hence worldly wisdom became folly; conjuration was seen to be mere trifling; and magic became utterly ridiculous.
Every law of wickedness vanished away; the darkness of ignorance was dispersed; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as a man, and man displaying power as God. But neither was the former a mere imagination, nor did the second imply a bare humanity; but the one was absolutely true, and the other an economical arrangement. Now that received a beginning which was perfected by God. Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.
Sermon Outline
- I. Three Celebrated Mysteries
- A. The Virginity of Mary
- B. The Death of the Lord
- C. The Star in Heaven
- II. The Significance of the Star
- A. Its Light and Brightness
- B. Its Impact on the World
- III. The Revelation of God
- A. God Manifested as a Man
- B. Man Displaying Power as God
Key Quotes
“A star shone forth in heaven above all that were before it, and its light was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Every law of wickedness vanished away; the darkness of ignorance was dispersed; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as a man, and man displaying power as God.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Recognize the significance of the star in heaven as a symbol of God's power and manifestation.
- Understand that the abolition of death is a central theme in the Christian faith.
- Reflect on how the revelation of God as a man can impact our understanding of authority and wisdom.