He [Jesus] fought and conquered. On the one hand, he was man who struggled for his fathers and through his obedience cancelled their disobedience. On the other hand, he bound the strong one and freed the weak and bestowed salvation on his handiwork by abolishing sin. For he is our compassionate and merciful Lord who loves mankind ... Had not man conquered man's adversary, the enemy would not have been conquered justly. Again, had it not been God who bestowed salvation we would not possess it securely.
Irenaeus of LyonsThe initial step for us all to come to knowledge of God is contemplation of nature.
Irenaeus of LyonsThe Virgin Mary, being obedient to his word, received from an angel the glad tidings that she would bear God.
Irenaeus of LyonsThrough a tree we were made debtors to God; so through a tree we have our debt canceled.
Irenaeus of Lyons