- Whether in the divine persons there exists an order of nature?
Whether in the divine persons there exists an order of nature?
Objections
❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that among the divine persons there does not exist an order of nature. For whatever exists in God is the essence, or a person, or a notion. But the order of nature does not signify the essence, nor any of the persons, or notions. Therefore there is no order of nature in God.
❌ Objection 2 : Further, wherever order of nature exists, there one comes before another, at least, according to nature and intellect. But in the divine persons there exists neither priority nor posteriority, as declared by Athanasius. Therefore, in the divine persons there is no order of nature.
❌ Objection 3 : Further, wherever order exists, distinction also exists. But there is no distinction in the divine nature. Therefore it is not subject to order; and order of nature does not exist in it.
❌ Objection 4 : Further, the divine nature is the divine essence. But there is no order of essence in God. Therefore neither is there of nature.