Creation of Natures Outside Time.
According to Basil, God created the angels before He created
the visible and material world. Therefore angels are created outside of time and
without time, and angelic being does not presuppose time or require it. This
enables Basil to assert that angels are immutable. "There was, before the
beginning of the world, a certain state which was appropriate to powers that
have existed before the world, which are superior to time, and which are eternal
and everlasting. Within this condition the Creator of all things created the
intellectual light which brings bliss to all who love the Lord, the intelligent
and invisible natures, and all the other adornments of these creatures, which
can only be contemplated by us. They exceed our understanding to such an extent
that we cannot even give them a name."
Angels were brought into existence by the Word of God. They
were not created in an immature form, or in such a way that they had to perfect
themselves through gradual exercise in order to be worthy of the Spirit. "The
angels are not subject to change. There are no children, youths, or elders among
them, but their nature is always pure and immutable. Sanctification was infested
in their original state, in their very substance." "Therefore," Basil says in
conclusion, "they are never inclined to sin because they are immediately
sanctified as part of their nature. By the gift of the Holy Spirit their virtue
is constant." They have been living in sanctity and spiritual joy from before
the beginning of the world.
much thanks to
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