171. We have said
that the Father is Light, the Son is Light, and the Holy Spirit is
Light; let us also learn that the Father is Life, the Son Life, and the
Holy Spirit Life. For John said: “That which was from
the beginning, that which we have heard, and which we have seen, and
have beheld with our eyes, and our hands have handled concerning the
Word of Life; and the Life appeared, and we saw and testify, and
declare to you of that Life which was with the Father.” 1 John i. 1, 2. He said both Word of Life and
Life that he might signify both the Father and the Son to be
Life. For what is the Word of Life but the Word of God? And
by this phrase both God and the Word of God are shown to be Life.
And as it is said the Word of Life, so, too, the Spirit of Life.
Therefore, as the Word of Life is Life, so, too, the Spirit of Life is
Life.