God the Son became Man
from a quia subscription to the Book of Concord?
The two natures of Christ is foundational for Christian faith and life. Before one is able to believe or teach rightly about salvation or good works (compare the "whosoever will be saved" from the Athanasian Creed), one must first have the right Christ. The Augsburg Confession maintains that its adherents teach
that God the Son became man, and was born of the blessed Virgin Mary; and that the two natures, human and divine, inseparably united in one person, are one Christ, who is true God and man, etc."
What are the implications of this union? One Christ - true God and true Man, "was really born," "truly suffered," "was crucified, died, and was buried" (emphasis added). No separation of the two natures is possible, so that one who subscribes to this confession might say that "only the humanity died," etc.
It was necessary for this one Christ (true God and true Man) to do all of these things so that He should be "a sacrifice, not only for original sin, but also for all other sins," and "appease the wrath of God". The sacrifical death of anyone less would disqualify the sacrifice.
The article continues, "this same Christ descended into hell, and truly rose from the dead on the third day, ascended to heaven, and sits at the right hand of God". This He has done,
that he may perpetually reign over all creatures, and govern them, through the Holy Spirit sanctify, purify, strengthen, and console all those who believe in him, and give unto them life and various gifts and blessings, and protect and defend them against the devil and the power of sin.
We hear more of this last work in the articles that follow.
* 02/08/07 Update: An interesting discussion related to this post may be found here.*
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