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| Figure, Image, Truth: Law, Grace, Glory; Man Created Immortal: Death Brought in by Destructive Sin. PREVIOUS SECTION - NEXT SECTION - HELP
Chapter II.—Figure, Image, Truth: Law, Grace, Glory;
Man Created Immortal: Death Brought in by Destructive
Sin.
And let these things be said for the sake of
example, showing that the Jews have wonderfully fallen from the hope of
future good, because they consider things present to be only signs of
things already accomplished; whilst they do not perceive that the
figures represent images, and images are the representatives of
truth. For the law is indeed the figure and the shadow of an
image, that is, of the Gospel; but the image, namely, the Gospel, is
the representative of truth itself. For the men of olden time and
the law foretold to us the characteristics of the Church, and the
Church represents those of the new dispensation which is to come.
Whence we, having received Christ, saying, “I am the
truth,”2762 know that
shadows and figures have ceased; and we hasten on to the truth,
proclaiming its glorious images. For now we know “in
part,” and as it were “through a glass,”2763 since that
which is perfect has not yet come to us; namely, the kingdom of heaven
and the resurrection, when “that which is in part shall be done
away.”2764 For then
will all our tabernacles be firmly set up, when again the body shall
rise, with bones again joined and compacted with flesh. Then
shall we celebrate truly to the Lord a glad festal-day, when we shall
receive eternal tabernacles, no more to perish or be dissolved into the
dust of the tomb. Now, our tabernacle was at first fixed in an
immoveable state, but was moved by transgression and bent to the earth,
God putting an end to sin by means of death, lest man immortal, living
a sinner, and sin living in him, should be liable to eternal
curse. Wherefore he died, although he had not been created liable
to death or corruption, and the soul was separated from the flesh, that
sin might perish by death, not being able to live longer in one
dead. Whence sin being dead and destroyed, again I shall rise
immortal; and I praise God who by means of death frees His sons from
death, and I celebrate lawfully to His honour a festal-day, adorning my
tabernacle, that is my flesh, with good works, as there did the five
virgins with the five-lighted lamps.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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