2 Timothy 1:10
Death is destroyed. The cross has triumphed over it. It no longer has any power but is truly dead. This is why all of Christ's disciples despise death and no longer fear it. They take the offensive against it. And by the sign of the cross and by faith in Christ they trample it down as dead.
Before the Savior came, death was terrible to the saints. Everyone wept for the dead as though they perished. But now that the Savior has risen, death isn't terrible anymore. For everyone who believes in Christ tramples over death. They would rather die than deny their faith in Christ. For they know that when they die they aren't destroyed, but actually begin to live. Through the Resurrection they become incorruptible. For the devil, who once maliciously rejoiced in death, is the only one truly dead now that we are relieved of death's pains.
As proof of this, people are cowards and terrified of death before they believe Christ. But when they have turned to Christ's faith and teaching, they despise death so much that they even eagerly rush up to it. They testify of Christ's victorious Resurrection.
—Athanasius
Readings taken from Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers
Death is destroyed. The cross has triumphed over it. It no longer has any power but is truly dead. This is why all of Christ's disciples despise death and no longer fear it. They take the offensive against it. And by the sign of the cross and by faith in Christ they trample it down as dead.
Before the Savior came, death was terrible to the saints. Everyone wept for the dead as though they perished. But now that the Savior has risen, death isn't terrible anymore. For everyone who believes in Christ tramples over death. They would rather die than deny their faith in Christ. For they know that when they die they aren't destroyed, but actually begin to live. Through the Resurrection they become incorruptible. For the devil, who once maliciously rejoiced in death, is the only one truly dead now that we are relieved of death's pains.
As proof of this, people are cowards and terrified of death before they believe Christ. But when they have turned to Christ's faith and teaching, they despise death so much that they even eagerly rush up to it. They testify of Christ's victorious Resurrection.
—Athanasius
Readings taken from Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers
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