Jesus:  Man or God?

(According to Luther's Small Catechism)

The two natures united in one person of Jesus Christ.

The divine and the human natures are united in Jesus Christ.  This personal union began when He became man (incarnation) and continues forever.

Christ had to be true man in order to act in our place under the Law and fulfill it for us (active obedience). He had to be able to suffer and die for our guilt because we failed to keep the Law (passive obedience).

Christ had to be true God in order that His fulfilling of the Law, His life, suffering, and death might be a sufficient ransom for all people.  He might be able to overcome death and the devil for us.  

 

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