36. Wherefore let them understand that in
this passage the Son is not to be separated from the Father, Who is the
only true God. For they cannot prove that the Son is not the only
and true God, especially as here also it may be gathered, as I have
said, that Christ too is true and only God; or the passage may at least
be understood partly in reference to the Godhead of the Father and the
Son, and partly to the Incarnation of Christ: for knowledge is
not perfect unless it confesses Jesus Christ from eternity to be
only-begotten God, true Son of God, and, according to the flesh,
begotten of a Virgin. Which also this very Evangelist has taught
us elsewhere, saying: “Every spirit that confesseth that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God.” 1 John iv. 2.