On the Incarnation by St Athanasius The Word

On the Incarnation by St Athanasius • The Word of God assumed humanity that we might become God (Theopoiesis) • Different than Theosis (Cappadocians)

On the Incarnation by St Athanasius • • • God created humanity according to His image Creation is through the Word Humanity disobeyed and transgressed the commandments • The result was a curse of death • God had to have his punishment fulfilled: 1. Because He is true and what He says must be fulfilled 2. If he does not carry the punishment men will keep on sinning

On the Incarnation by St Athanasius (cont) • So He punished humanity by the curse of death but promised them redemption • Redemption is through the renewal of God’s image in man and this could not take place except through the creator • Therefore, it was the Word of God, through whom all things came to be, who is the Son of the Father that had to carry redemption • Redemption is by overcoming the curse of death

On the Incarnation by St Athanasius (cont) • But God does not die. How will redemption be carried out? • The Word took a human body and made it his own and when it dies and rise from the dead, all those who shared the body would be redeemed through Him to overcome death and thus be saved • Therefore, the Word became Incarnate from the Virgin Mary and gave us the commandments and new covenant while He was with us on earth [note while He was on earth the body did not limit Him, but He was everywhere]

On the Incarnation by St Athanasius (cont) • He died on the cross, which was a curse, so that he would overcome the curse of death on our behalf • When He rose from the dead, He conquered death and restored in us the image of God the Father [renewal of creation] • The Word of God assumed humanity that we might become God • Spiritual implications?