Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series I/Volume IV/Manichaean Controversy/Concerning the Nature of Good/Chapter 19

Chapter 19.—To Have True Existence is an Exclusive Prerogative of God.

Magnificently and divinely, therefore, our God said to his servant:&#160; "I am that I am," and "Thou shalt say to the children of Israel, He who is sent me to you." &#160; For He truly is because He is unchangeable.&#160; For every change makes what was not, to be:&#160; therefore He truly is, who is unchangeable; but all other things that were made by Him have received being from Him each in its own measure.&#160; To Him who is highest, therefore nothing can be contrary, save what is not; and consequently as from Him everything that is good has its being, so from Him is everything that by nature exists; since everything that exists by nature is good.&#160; Thus every nature is good, and everything good is from God; therefore every nature is from God.