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130 Pages
Page 56
On John vi. 57. I live by the Father. [389]
"If the Son lives on account of [390] the Father, He lives on account of another, and not of Himself. But He who lives on account of another cannot be Self-life. [391] So He who is holy of grace is not holy of himself. [392] Then the Son did not speak truly when He said, I am the life,' [393] and again the Son quickeneth whom He will.' [394] We must therefore understand the words to be spoken in reference to the incarnation, and not to the Godhead."
On John v. 19. The Son can do Nothing of Himself.
"If freedom of action [395] is better than subjection to control, [396] and a man is free, while the Son of God is subject to control, then the man is better than the Son. This is absurd. And if he who is subject to control cannot create free beings (for he cannot of his own will confer on others what he does not possess himself), then the Saviour, since He made us free, cannot Himself be under the control of any."
"If the Son could do nothing of Himself, and could only act at the bidding of the Father, He is neither good nor bad. He was not responsible for anything that was done. Consider the absurdity of the position that men should be free agents both of good and evil, while the Son, who is God, should be able to do nothing of His own authority!"
[389] cf. Ep. viii. and note on p. 117.
[390] dia. Vide note referred to.
[391] Or underived life. autozoe.
[392] autoagios.
[393] John xi. 25.
[394] John v. 21.
[395] to autexousion.
[396] to hupexousion.
Reference address : https://www.elpenor.org/basil/life-works.asp?pg=56
