Arius vs. Athanasius

I am pleased to find interest regarding the doctrines of the Truth. The student in question need not be concerned that I would think ill of his question; on the contrary, I appreciate his desire to increase knowledge. Now to the matter at hand.

Arius was a Presbyter (minister) in Alexandria where a flourishing congregation had been established and from where Christianity had spread over the entire country of Egypt and Arabia. In 318 A.D., Arius began to promote the terrible doctrine that the Second Person in the divine Being was the first created being. With this he denied the Godhead of the Son. He twisted the testimony of Paul in Colossians 1:15 and made of the Firstborn the first created of all creatures. The Son is the Firstborn, the eternal begotten of the Father, coequal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, true and eternal God. Arius denied this and taught that the Son was created, although before all else was created, but then as a creature and not as God.

Because of this horrible, blasphemous heresy, the Synod of Alexandria, held in 321 A.D., judged him a heretic, and he was deposed from his office. This did not, however, quiet the turmoil which Arius had created. He had a glib tongue, and many followed him; even among the bishops he had many followers. Caesar Constantine the Great also began to concern himself with the differences. After he was further informed about the situation by Bishop Hosius of Cordova, Caesar Constantine ordered a Church Council to take place which gathered in Nicea in 325 A.D.

No less than three hundred eighteen bishops gathered at this council. Even Caesar Constantine appeared there. At this solemn gathering, the Lord used a young deacon by the name of Athanasius as a means in His hand to grant a victory in maintaining the true doctrine. With a fiery zeal Athanasius defended the Godhead of the Son. Arius was again condemned and excommunicated, and his books were ordered to be burned. In this way the church was saved from going into heathendom into which Arius’s heresy would certainly have brought it.

Caesar Constantine changed his mind because of the influence of the many bishops who supported Arius. In 350 A.D. he commanded that Arius should be reinstated in his office. Athanasius, who, in the meantime, had been elevated to the office of bishop, faithfully refused to obey Caesar Constantine and even prevailed to move Caesar so that he agreed with him. The enemies, however, managed on two occasions to have Athanasius labeled a troublemaker at two African Synods, and he was banned to the city of Tur in 336 A.D. That is how far the Lord permitted enemies the victory. The enemies rejoiced. Arius would again be solemnly taken into the communion of the church after he hypocritically swore to the truth of the Nicene Creed.

The bishop of Constantinople, however, did not trust Arius, but Caesar commanded that Arius should be reinstated. The bishop then prayed to the Lord that the Lord would do right and that Arius would not escape the reward of his unrighteousness. The Lord heard this prayer.

What happened? Jubilantly, the followers of the wicked Arius went with him on the appointed day to the church. Suddenly, however, Arius was struck with severe pain even before they reached the church. He collapsed and died before the church doors. God had spoken!

The unexpected death of Arius made a deep impression upon the people. May it also make a deep impression upon us. Many are so inclined to choose the side of the apparent winning party. It is self-evident how necessary it is to look beyond all human wisdom and to place the Word of the Lord above all human wisdom and might even though it is discarded by all of mankind.

In spite of what happened, the unreasoning enemies did not change their course. Instead of turning back in shame, they continued in their enmity against Athanasius. In this we see how blind and hard a person is, and unless the Lord stops him, he never gives up the strife against Him.

After the death of Arius, Athanasius was returned from his exile and joyfully received by his congregation, but the followers of Arius managed to win Caesar Constantine to their side. He hated Athanasius. Athanasius was again deposed, and soldiers were even sent to deliver Athanasius either dead or alive into the hands of Caesar Constantine. These soldiers forced themselves into the church where Athanasius was leading a service. The congregation was very frightened by the fierce actions of the soldiers. Athanasius, however, remained calm and exhorted everyone to go home quietly. His friends were able to remove him from the church and hide him in a safe place in Egypt. He was allowed to return six years later.

The later emperor, Caesar Valens, continued the persecution against the followers of Athanasius, but this godly minister was able to live out his life in peace until he died in 373 A.D. After a life of strife for the Godhead of the Son, he received the eternal victory which is prepared by Christ for His people.

Dear catechumens, in these times of great declension and denial of the old and unchangeable truths of God’s Word, strive to keep the pure doctrines, and may the Lord sanctify them to your never-dying soul.

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