The Works of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Volume 1

CATECHES1S X

CATECHES1S X On One Lord, Jesus Christ "For even if there are what are called gods, whether in heaven or earth ... yet for us there is only one God, the Father from whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and we through him."! (1) Those who have been taught to believe in One God Father Almighty ought to believe also in His Only-begotten Son. For he that denies the Son has not the Father.2 "I am the door,"3 Jesus says; "no one comes to the Father, but through me."4 If you deny the Door, the knowledge of the Father is closed to you. "No one knows the Father, except the Son, and him to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."5 If you deny Him who reveals, you remain in ignorance. Then there is the Gospel text: "He who is unbelieving towards the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him."6 For the Father is wrathful when His Only-begotten Son is disregarded. The dishonorable treatment of a mere soldier is a grievous matter for his king; when a nobler attendant or friend is treated dishonorably, then his anger becomes stiIl greater; but if anyone should treat with contumely the king) only-begotten son, who wiIl appease the father's ensuing indignation? 1 1 Cor. 8.5, 6. 2 Cf. 1 John 2.23. 3 John 10.9. 4 John 14.6. 5 Cf. Matt. 11.27. 6 John 3.36. 195 196 ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM (2) If anyone wishes to serve God piously, let him worship the Son; otherwise, the Father will not accept his service. The Father spoke aloud from heaven, saying: "This is my beloved Son, in whom 1 am well pleased."7 The Father was well pleased in His Son; unless you also are well pleased, you will not have life. Do not be led astray by the Jews who say guilefully: "There is one God alone." But with the knowledge that God is One, know that there is also an Only-begotten Son of God. 1 am not the first to say this, but the Psalmist in the person of the Son says: "The Lord said to me, 'You are my son.' "8 Therefore attend not to what the Jews say, but to what the Prophets say. Are you surprised if they who stoned and killed the Prophets disregard the words of the Prophets? (3) Believe in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God.9 We say, "One Lord Jesus Christ," that His Sonship may be "Only-begotten"; we say "One," that you may not suppose another; we say "One," that you may not impiously distribute among many sons the many names of His power. For He is called a Door; regard this not as meaning a wooden door, but rather a spiritual, living Door, distinguishing those who enter. He is called a Way,lO but not that trodden by men's feet, but one which leads to the Father in heaven. He is called a Sheep;l1 not a senseless one, but that which cleanses the world from sin by its precious blood, and when led before its shearer knows when to be silent. This Sheep again is called a Shepherd, who says: "I am the [good] shepherd";12 a Sheep because of His human nature, a Shepherd because of the loving-kindness of His Godhead. Know 7 Matt. 3.17. 8 Ps.2.7. 9 Cyril stresses the oneness of Christ under His many titles not only to combat heretics but to strengthen the faith of his hearers. He explains that Christ is not divided in any way, but that His many titles reflect our needs. 10 John 14.6. 11 Acts 8.32; Isa. 53.7. 12 Cf. John 10.11. CATECHESIS X 197 too that there are spiritual sheep, for He says to the Apostles: "Behold I am sending you forth like sheep in the midst of wolves."13 Again, He is called a Lion;14 not a devourer of men, but, as it were, showing by this title His kingly, strong, and resolute nature. Then too, He is called a Lion in opposition to the lion, our adversary, who roars and devours those who have been deceived.15 For the Savior came...