For everything which is called one in number is not one absolutely, nor yet simple in nature; but God is universally confessed to be simple and not composite. God therefore is not one in number. What I mean is this. We say that the world is one in number, but not one by nature nor yet simple; for we divide it into its constituent elements, fire, water, air, and earth.6 Again, man is called one in number. We frequently speak of one man, but man who is composed of body and soul is not simple. Similarly we say one angel in number, but not one by nature nor yet simple, for we conceive of the hypostasis of the angel as essence with sanctification. If therefore everything which is one in number is not one in nature, and that which is one and simple in nature is not one in number; and if we call God one in nature how can number be charged against us, when we utterly exclude it from that blessed and spiritual nature? Number relates to quantity; and quantity is conjoined with bodily nature, for number is of bodily nature. We believe our Lord to be Creator of bodies. Wherefore every number indicates those things which have received a material and circumscribed nature. Monad and Unity on the other hand signify the nature which is simple and incomprehensible. Whoever therefore confesses either the Son of God or the Holy Ghost to be number or creature introduces unawares a material and circumscribed nature. And by circumscribed I mean not only locally limited, but a nature which is comprehended in foreknowledge by Him who is about to reduce it from the non-existent into the existent and which can be comprehended by science. Every holy thing then of which the nature is circumscribed and of which the holiness is acquired is not insusceptible of evil. But the Son and the Holy Ghost are the source of sanctification by which every reasonable creature is hallowed in proportion to its virtue. (Basil, To the Caesareans, Letter VIII section 2)
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- References to Jesus in Pagan Literature
- Dale Tuggy, 10 Apologists' Mistakes About the Trinity
- Exodus 17:15, Divine Identity and Divine Agency
- The Cost of Creation
- Easter is not named after Ishtar
- Joseph Smith, John Thomas, and the charge of Plagi...
- Quick personal reflections on the importance of th...
- The LDS view of Joseph Smith and the Catholic view...
- Licona/Carrier debate on the historicity of the Re...
- Ed Pinegar on LDS Soteriology
- Biblical versus Mormon Forgiveness?
- Refutations of the wackier elements of Anti-Cathol...
- Does Genesis 50:20 Prove Compatibilism?
- If the Father is "the only true God" does that mea...
- King David Refutes Reformed Soteriology
- Does Christ's taking away our sins/illnesses neces...
- Assessing an "argument" against LDS belief in the ...
- Exegetical Notes on John 6:54
- Richard Packham's review of Book of Mormon Book of...
- Hallelujah--An Easter Message about Jesus Christ
- Quick thoughts on positive "boasting" in Scripture
- Refuting the "Barking Dog" Argument in favour of F...
- Ceslas Spicq on the transformative nature of justi...
- The Jewish Study Bible on the Shema
- Basil: Trinitarians do not believe God is “one” nu...
- The Internet vs. Chapel Mormon (False) Dichotomy a...
- W Randall Garr on the plurality of (true) gods in ...
- James 2:18 and the "vindication"/"demonstration" u...
- Was Cornelius converted prior to Acts 10?
- Ancient Texts in support of JST Genesis 50
- "After their kind" in Genesis 1 as evidence of div...
- Thoughts on Intellectual Integrity and Intellectua...
- Galatians 1:8 and an angel appearing to Joseph Smith
- Some comments on 2 Peter 1:19-21
- The failure of Protestantism to Define the Canon A...
- 2 Kings 3:27 and the ontological existence of othe...
- A Little Hebrew is a Dangerous Thing
- RIP Stephen Webb (1961-2016)
- Latter-day Saints and the Bible
- Calvinism's inconsistent view on the death and int...
- Did Origen teach Transubstantiation?
- Mormon Scripture and David's Wives
- John Tvedtnes on the phrase, "A Visionary Man"
- 2 Peter 3:5 and creatio ex materia
- Notes on Philippians 2:6-8
- Hegesippus vs. the perpetual virginity of Mary
- 2 Peter 1:9 vs. Reformed Theology
- How many women were at the cross?
- Birthday Books
- Marianne Meye Thompson on John 19:30
- James 5:14-15 in Early Christianity
- Comments on Hebrews 13:8
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