“There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children unto them” ([Genesis vi, 4]).
475
By what agency and when was the Christ begotten?
Matthew and Luke: By the Holy Ghost at the time of his conception by the Virgin Mary.
According to Justin the Holy Ghost begat the Christ, not at the conception of Jesus, as claimed by these Evangelists, but at his baptism. At his baptism the voice from heaven said: “Thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee” (Dialogues 88).
The correctness of Justin’s statement is corroborated by Hebrews: “Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee” ([v, 5]). Christ’s priesthood began at his baptism.
476
Of what gender is the Holy Ghost?