His Holiness continues discussing the Incarnation and Redemption, showing that the main goal of the Incarnation, as explained by St. Athanasius the Apostolic, is redemption and reconciliation between God and humanity.

1. Purpose of the Incarnation: Redemption and Forgiveness

Christ offered Himself as a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:6).
Through Him we have redemption by His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7).
His blood was the price paid for mankind’s salvation and reconciliation with God.

2. Christ the Redeemer and the Purifier

Christ not only redeemed but also purified humanity through His blood:
“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
His Holiness stresses that the blood of Christ is the only purifier, rejecting the Catholic idea of purgatory as it diminishes the value of Christ’s atonement.

3. Repentance, Confession, and the Priest’s Role

The priest does not forgive by himself but declares the forgiveness already granted by Christ’s blood.
True repentance makes a person worthy of the blood of Christ, which erases their sins.

4. The Mediatory Intercession of Christ

Christ is the only mediator and intercessor between God and humankind (1 Timothy 2:5).
His intercession is redemptive, not merely supplicatory—He intercedes with His blood, having paid the debt of sin in full.

5. Salvation from Judgment and Death

Christ bore the sentence of death for us, so believers are now free from condemnation (Romans 8:1).
He saves to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25), nullified death, and broke Satan’s dominion (Hebrews 2:14).

6. The Human Response to Salvation

Though salvation is a divine gift, humans must respond through faith, repentance, baptism, and obedience:

• “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

• “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16)

• “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38)

7. Complete Atonement

On the cross, Christ united divine justice with divine mercy, redeeming, cleansing, sanctifying, and saving humanity completely — spiritually, morally, and eternally.

8. Conclusion

The blood of Christ is the sole source of forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal salvation.
The Incarnation and Redemption are inseparable: Christ became man to redeem, and He redeemed to sanctify.
Those who live according to the Spirit share in His eternal life and salvation.