35. At the same time, becoming i.e.we are not to infer from the fact that the Word became flesh, that the Word is a created being. For that which becomes is already existing—that which is created did not exist before it was made. does not always imply creation; for we read: “Lord, Thou art become our refuge,” Ps. xc. 1. The R.V. runs: “Lord, thou hast been our refuge” (hast been, and still art). and “Thou hast become my salvation.” Ps. cxviii. 14. The “becoming” is rather in us. It is we who have come into being, to find a refuge and salvation in the Lord. Plainly, here is no statement of the fact or purpose of a creation, but God is said to have become my “refuge” and have turned to my “salvation,” Lat. “conversus ad salutem.” even as the Apostle hath said: “Who became for us 1 Cor. i. 30. Wisdom from God, and Righteousness, and Sanctification, and Redemption,” Note that it is Christ Himself Who is our justification, etc., not a certain course of life; in other words the saving power is not so much in the mere example of Christ’s life on earth, but primarily and necessarily in Himself, now seated in heaven at the Father’s right hand, interceding for us, and communicating His grace, especially through the sacraments. that is, that Christ was “made” for us, of the Father, not created. Again, the writer has explained in the sequel in what sense he says that Christ was made Wisdom for us: “But we preach the Wisdom of God in doctrine of mystery, which Wisdom is hidden, foreordained by God before the existence of the world Cf. 1 Pet. i. 19–21; Eph. i. 4; Col. i. 26, 27. for our glory, and which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known they would never have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Cor. ii. 6 ff. When the mystery of the Passion is set forth, surely there is no speaking of an eternal process of generation.