But we do now receive a certain portion of His Spirit, tending towards perfection, and preparing us for incorruption, being little by little accustomed to receive and bear God.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

But following the only true and stedfast Teacher, the Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through His transcendent love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

The preaching of the Church truly continues without change and is everywhere the same. It has the testimony of the Prophets and Apostles and all their disciples.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

When we stand in the light it is not we who illumine the light and cause it to shine but we are illuminated and made shining by the light… God grants his blessings on those who serve him because they are serving him and on those who follow him because they are following him, but he receives no blessing from them because he is perfect and without need.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

For where the church is, there is the Spirit of God, and where the Spirit of God, there is the church and all grace.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

Suppose there arise a dispute relative to some important question among us, should we not have recourse to the most ancient Churches with which the apostles held constant intercourse, and learn from them what is certain and clear in regard to the present question? For how should it be if the apostles themselves had not left us writings? Would it not be necessary, in that case, to follow the course of the tradition which they handed down to those to whom they did commit the Churches?

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

Since it is impossible, without God, to come to knowledge of God, he teaches men through his Word to know God.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

He who was the Son of God became the Son of man, that man … might become the son of God.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)

The business of the Christian is nothing else but to be ever preparing for death.

Irenaeus (Bishop, 130 A.D.)