The Creed – The Work of Christ in Redemption

This lecture explains the core of the Christian faith as proclaimed by the Coptic Orthodox Church, emphasizing that redemption is the primary purpose of the Incarnation of Christ, and that the Cross stands at the center of divine salvation for humanity.

1) The Purpose of the Incarnation and Redemption
His Holiness affirms that the Incarnation of Christ was not an end in itself, but was for the salvation of humanity, as stated: “For us humans and for our salvation, He came down from heaven and was incarnate.”

2) The Cross and the Forgiveness of Sins
The Cross is the place of forgiveness of sins, for forgiveness was accomplished through the shedding of Christ’s blood, as Scripture declares: “Without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

3) The Blood of Christ and Atonement
Through His blood, atonement was fulfilled, sins were washed away, justification was granted, and Christ became a sin offering, a guilt offering, and a burnt offering on behalf of humanity.

4) Redemption and Substitution
Redemption means that an innocent life dies in place of a guilty one; Christ bore the sins of the whole world and died instead of us.

5) Christ Our Passover
Just as the blood of the Passover brought deliverance in the Old Testament, Christ became our true Passover who delivers from death and destruction.

6) Reconciliation with God
On the Cross, reconciliation was achieved between God and humanity, as the price of divine justice was paid and God reconciled the world to Himself through the death of His Son.

7) Redemption as the Foundation of the New Covenant Gifts
Through the merits of the Cross, we receive justification, forgiveness, the sacraments of the Church, and all the gifts of the New Covenant.

8) Secondary Reasons for the Incarnation
Although Christ offered true teaching, restored the image of God in humanity, and revealed the love of the Father, all these are secondary reasons; the primary reason for the Incarnation is redemption.

9) Summary of Faith
The Cross is the heart of the Christian faith: through it salvation was accomplished, humanity was restored to God, and without it the Incarnation would have no purpose.

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