71. Admit, therefore, that Christ, as
touching His Godhead, cannot be called inferior [to the
Father]. “Surely it is
clear that the Son, in respect of His Godhead, is not inferior to the
Father, for there is, in the Father and the Son, one and the same
Godhead. Still, the Greek Fathers allow that the Father is not
only greater than the Son in respect of the latter’s human
nature, but also in regard to personal properties, or a certain
‘personal dignity’—(ἀξ
ωμα
ὑποστατικόν).”—Hurter in loc. Canon Mason, in his
Faith of the Gospel, remarks that whilst it is quite right to
speak of “God and His Son” or “God’s
Son,” the converse language, “God and His Father,”
“God’s Father,” is not right. Yet S.
Ambrose says, “Dubitat de Patre Deus.” See §
43. Christ
speaks to Abraham: “By Myself have I sworn.” Gen. xxii. 16. Now the Apostle shows that He Who swears
by Himself cannot be lower than any. Thus he saith, “When
God rewarded Abraham with His promise, He swore by Himself, forasmuch
as He had none other that was greater, saying, Surely with blessing
will I bless thee, and with multiplying will I multiply
thee.” Heb. vi. 13, 14. Christ had,
therefore, none greater, and for that cause sware He by Himself.
Moreover, the Apostle has
rightly added, “for men swear by one
greater than themselves,” forasmuch as men have one who is
greater than themselves, but God hath none.