The Scriptures demonstrate that there is some
distinction between the Father and the Word, the Word and the Spirit;
but the magnitude of the mystery reminds us of the great reverence and
soberness which ought to he employed in discussing it. It seems to me,
that nothing can be more admirable than the words of Gregory Nanzianzen:
"I cannot think of the unity without being irradiated by the
Trinity: I cannot distinguish between the Trinity without being carried
up to the unity. " (Gregory Nazianzen in Sermon de Sacro
Baptis.)
Therefore, let us beware of imagining such a Trinity of persons as
will distract our thoughts, instead of bringing them instantly back to
the unity. The words Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, certainly indicate a
real distinction, not allowing us to suppose that they are merely
epithets by which God is variously designated from his works. Still they
indicate distinction only, not division.
- John Calvin (Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1.13.17)
No comments:
Post a Comment