The Law of Faith, Part 2
The lecture presented a continuous explanation of parts of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, clarifying the phrase “we believe in our Lord of what is seen and what is not seen” and continuing to explain “we believe in one Lord Jesus Christ.”
Creation: the seen and the unseen
He indicated that the phrase “what is seen and what is not seen” refers to all visible and hidden creatures: matter, angels, demons, and things not seen by the naked eye, and that God is the Creator of all.
The concept of Lord, King, and Christ
He explained that the word “Lord” can mean master or God, that the name “Jesus” means the Savior, and that “Christ” means the anointed one for the mission of prophecy, kingship, and priesthood; therefore we call him “Jesus Christ” referring to his person and mission.
The Only-Begotten Son and his nature
He affirmed that the phrase “the only-begotten Son” distinguishes him from adoptive sons, that he is begotten from the Father’s essence eternally and is not a creature, and that he shares the same essence and divine attributes as the Father, while noting the state of “self-emptying” at the Incarnation.
The Son’s eternality and biblical attestations
He cited scriptural indications (John, Micah, Revelation, Daniel, Isaiah…) that show the Son’s eternality and glory, that he existed before all ages, and that Scripture affirms his divinity and divine attributes.
The Light and the divine nature
He explained the comparison of Christ to the “Light” in a theological (not material) sense, that he is the true Light from whom light does not proceed in a diminishable way, while we partake of that light when he took flesh.
Equality of essence and difference in roles
He noted that the Son is equal to the Father in essence and divine attributes, but there is a distinction in economical expression (for example “my Father is greater than I” during the period of self-emptying), and for this reason we adhere to the expressions of the ecumenical councils.
A call to study and reflection
He urged listeners to consult theological works on Christology and further studies for deeper understanding, stressing that the lecture outlined fundamental lines that require deeper research.
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