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

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

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To the same, in answer to another question.3. Let them tell me in what sense Paul says, “Now we know in part”; 2963 do we knowHis essence in part, as knowing parts of His essence? No. This is absurd; for God is withoutparts. But do we know the whole essence? How then “When that which is perfect is come,then that which is in part shall be done away.” 2964 Why are idolaters found fault with? Isit not because they knew God <strong>and</strong> did not honour Him as God? Why are the “foolishGalatians” 2965 reproached by Paul in the words, “After that ye have known God, or ratherare known of God, how turn ye again to the weak <strong>and</strong> beggarly elements?” 2966 How wasGod known in Jewry? Was it because in Jewry it was known what His essence is? “The ox,”it is said, “knoweth his owner.” 2967 According to your argument the ox knows his lord’sessence. “And the ass his master’s crib.” 2968 So the ass knows the essence of the crib, but“Israel doth not know me.” So, according to you, Israel is found fault with for not knowingwhat the essence of God is. “Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not knownthee,” 2969 that is, who have not comprehended thy essence. But, I repeat, knowledge ismanifold—it involves perception of our Creator, recognition of His wonderful works, observanceof His comm<strong>and</strong>ments <strong>and</strong> intimate communion with Him. All this they thruston one side <strong>and</strong> force knowledge into one single meaning, the contemplation of God’s essence.Thou shalt put them, it is said, before the testimony <strong>and</strong> I shall be known of theethence. 2970 Is the term, “I shall be known of thee,” instead of, “I will reveal my essence”?“The Lord knoweth them that are his.” 2971 Does He know the essence of them that are His,but is ignorant of the essence of those who disobey Him? “Adam knew his wife.” 2972 Didhe know her essence? It is said of Rebekah “She was a virgin, neither had any man knownher,” 2973 <strong>and</strong> “How shall this be seeing I know not a man?” 2974 Did no man know Rebekah’sessence? Does Mary mean “I do not know the essence of any man”? Is it not the custom2963 1 Cor. xiii. 9.2964 1 Cor. xiii. 10.2965 Gal. iii. 1.2966 Gal. iv. 9.2967 Is. i. 3.2968 Is. i. 3.2969 Ps. lxxix. 6.2970 Referred by the Ben. Ed. to Ex. xxv. 21 <strong>and</strong> 22. The first clause is apparently introduced from Ex. xvi.34.2971 2 Tim. ii. 19.2972 Gen. iv. 1.2973 Gen. xxiv. 16.2974 Luke i. 34.765

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