Sketch of the Life and Works of Saint Basil the Great

St Basil the Great Resources Online and in Print

Icon of the Christ and New Testament Reader

130 Pages

Page 61

If, they argue, the Son is a thing begotten and not a thing made, how does Scripture say, Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus, Whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ'? [427] We must also say here that this was spoken according to the flesh about the Son of Man; just as the angel who announced the glad tidings to the shepherds says, To you is born to-day a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord.' [428] The word to-day' could never be understood of Him Who was before the ages. This is more clearly shewn by what comes afterwards where it is said, That same Jesus whom ye have crucified.' [429] If when the Son was born [430] He was then made wisdom, it is untrue that He was the power of God and the wisdom of God.' [431] His wisdom did not come into being, but existed always. And so, as though of the Father, it is said by David, Be thou, God, my defender,' [432] and again, thou art become my salvation,' [433] and so Paul, Let God be true, but every man a liar.' [434] Thus the Lord of God is made unto us wisdom and sanctification and redemption.' [435] Now when the Father was made defender and true, He was not a thing made; and similarly when the Son was made wisdom and sanctification, He was not a thing made. If it is true that there is one God the Father, it is assuredly also true that there is one Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour. According to them the Saviour is not God nor the Father Lord, and it is written in vain, the Lord said unto my Lord.' [436] False is the statement, Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee.' [437] False too, The Lord rained from the Lord.' [438] False, God created in the image of God,' [439] and Who is God save the Lord?' [440] and Who is a God save our God.' [441] False the statement of John that the Word was God and the Word was with God;' [442] and the words of Thomas of the Son, my Lord and my God.' [443] The distinctions, then, ought to be referred to creatures and to those who are falsely and not properly called gods, and not to the Father and to the Son."

[427] Acts ii. 36.

[428] Luke ii. 11.

[429] Acts ii. 36.

[430] egennethe. But it seems to refer to the birth from Mary.

[431] 1 Cor. i. 24.

[432] Ps. xxxi. 2, LXX.

[433] Ps. cxviii. 21.

[434] Rom. iii. 4.

[435] 1 Cor. i. 30.

[436] Ps. cx. 1.

[437] Ps. xlv. 8.

[438] Gen. xix. 24.

[439] Gen. i. 27.

[440] Ps. xviii. 31.

[441] Id. LXX.

[442] John i. 1.

[443] John xx. 28.

Previous Page / First / Next Page of St Basil - Life and Works

St Basil the Great Home Page St Basil the Great in Print

Learned Freeware