NPNF2-08. Basil: Letters and Select Works - Holy Bible Institute

Statement of the reason why in the writings of Paul the angels are associated with the Fatherand the Son.Chapter XIII.Statement of the reason why in the writings of Paul the angels are associated with the Fatherand the Son.29. It is, however, objected that other beings which are enumerated with the Father andthe Son are certainly not always glorified together with them. The apostle, for instance, inhis charge to Timothy, associates the angels with them in the words, “I charge thee beforeGod and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels.” 960 We are not for alienating the angelsfrom the rest of creation, and yet, it is argued, we do not allow of their being reckoned withthe Father and the Son. To this I reply, although the argument, so obviously absurd is it,does not really deserve a reply, that possibly before a mild and gentle judge, and especiallybefore One who by His leniency to those arraigned before Him demonstrates the unimpeachableequity of His decisions, one might be willing to offer as witness even a fellow-slave; butfor a slave to be made free and called a son of God and quickened from death can only bebrought about by Him who has acquired natural kinship with us, and has been changedfrom the rank of a slave. For how can we be made kin with God by one who is an alien?How can we be freed by one who is himself under the yoke of slavery? It follows that themention of the Spirit and that of angels are not made under like conditions. The Spirit iscalled on as Lord of life, and the angels as allies of their fellow-slaves and faithful witnessesof the truth. It is customary for the saints to deliver the commandments of God in thepresence of witnesses, as also the apostle himself says to Timothy, “The things which thouhast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men;” 961 andnow he calls the angels to witness, for he knows that angels shall be present with the Lordwhen He shall come in the glory of His Father to judge the world in righteousness. For Hesays, “Whoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess beforethe angels of God, but he that denieth Me before men shall be denied before the angels ofGod;” 962 and Paul in another place says, “When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed fromheaven with his angels.” 963 Thus he already testifies before the angels, preparing goodproofs for himself at the great tribunal.30. And not only Paul, but generally all those to whom is committed any ministry ofthe word, never cease from testifying, but call heaven and earth to witness on the groundthat now every deed that is done is done within them, and that in the examination of all theactions of life they will be present with the judged. So it is said, “He shall call to the heavens19960 1 Tim. v. 21.961 2 Tim. ii. 2.962 Luke xii. 8, 9.963 2 Thess. i. 7.180