Which description expresses the relationship of origin within the Trinity?

Which description expresses the relationship of origin within the Trinity?

• A. The Holy Spirit is begotten of the Father
• B. The Son begotten from the Father
• C. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father
• D. The Son is created by the Father

Answer: (B)

In the Trinity, the Son’s origin is described as being begotten of the Father. Begotten expresses an eternal generation—the Father is the source from whom the Son eternally comes, without beginning or creation. This conveys that the Son is truly God and of the same divine essence as the Father, not a created being. The Holy Spirit has a different origin description, proceeding from the Father (and, in Western tradition, from the Father and the Son), which is why that wording fits the Spirit rather than the Son. Saying the Son is created would imply a creature, which is not how the Son is understood. So, expressing the Son as begotten from the Father best captures the origin relationship within the Trinity.

In the Trinity, the Son’s origin is described as being begotten of the Father. Begotten expresses an eternal generation—the Father is the source from whom the Son eternally comes, without beginning or creation. This conveys that the Son is truly God and of the same divine essence as the Father, not a created being. The Holy Spirit has a different origin description, proceeding from the Father (and, in Western tradition, from the Father and the Son), which is why that wording fits the Spirit rather than the Son. Saying the Son is created would imply a creature, which is not how the Son is understood. So, expressing the Son as begotten from the Father best captures the origin relationship within the Trinity.