the epistle to diognetus

one of the hymns we sang today at st. mark's was a selection from the epistle to diognetus (ca. 150 AD). it was a perfect selection to accompany the gospel lesson for 2 lent, john 3:1-17 (the primary text i used for my sermon). according to the oxford dictionary of the christian church, the anonymous letter was written as an attempt to argue that paganism and judaism could not be tolerated; that christians are the soul of the world; and that christianity is the unique revelation of god, whose love brings about the salvation of humanity.
the day's hymns and the texts worked well to remind those of us worshipping together that true belief in jesus leads to a new birth from above wrought by the spirit of god. on the basis of this new birth from above, the saints of god rely on his grace and mercy as he applies the righteousness of christ to their lives. in turn, their belief leads them to be mindful (though perhaps never as mindful as they ought to be) of their service of worship to god, loving god with all their heart, soul, and mind and loving their neighbors as themselves.

the epistle to diognetus

The great Creator of the worlds, the sovereign God of heaven,
his holy and immortal truth, to all on earth hath given.

He sent no angel of his host to bear this mighty word,
but him through whom the worlds were made, the everlasting Lord.

He sent him not in wrath and power, but grace and peace to bring;
in kindness, as a king might send his son, himself a King.

He sent him down as sending God; in flesh to us he came;
as one with us he dwelt with us, and bore a human name.

He came as Savior to his own, the way of love he trod;
he came to win us by good will, for force is not of God.

Not to oppress, but summon all their truest life to find,
in love God sent his Son to save, not to condemn mankind.