Episode 125: The Manner Of The Word's Incarnation: Terminative Assumption With James Dolezal
Dec 25, 2023
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Dr. James Dolezal joins to discuss the manner of the word's assumption of a human nature. They explore the misconceptions of addition and assumption and delve into the mystery of the incarnation. They also touch on the concept of termination and terminative assumption in relation to the incarnation of Christ.
The podcast explores the challenges of explaining how the eternal Word became flesh, proposing a terminative assumption view of the incarnation.
The terminative assumption approach aligns with Orthodox theology, upholding the biblical truth that Jesus is both true God and true man.
Understanding the terminative assumption view deepens our appreciation for the wonder of Christ's incarnation and allows us to affirm his dual nature as fully divine and fully human.
Deep dives
The Mystery of the Incarnation
The podcast explores the mystery of the incarnation, specifically focusing on how the Word of God became incarnate. It discusses the challenges of explaining how the eternal Word, who is true God and creator of all things, became flesh. The podcast explores two inadequate explanations of the incarnation: kenoticism (which suggests a real change and loss on the part of the Son) and becoming man by addition (where it is assumed that the Son gained something in the incarnation). However, the podcast proposes a terminative assumption view, which suggests that the divine person terminated the human nature by assuming it to himself without subtraction or addition. This view maintains that Jesus is a true man and true God, with two whole, perfect, and distinct natures inseparably joined together in one person, who is the eternal Son of God.
Theological Significance
The terminative assumption approach allows for a clear understanding of the incarnation that aligns with Orthodox theology. It upholds the biblical truth that Jesus is both true God and true man, while avoiding the pitfalls of subtraction or addition to the divine person of the Son. This approach affirms that the divine person terminated the human nature by assuming it, rather than receiving something or losing something, thus preserving the simplicity and perfection of God. It also aligns with the Second London Confession, which acknowledges the two whole and distinct natures joined in one person, who is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man.
Relevance and Application
Understanding the terminative assumption view of the incarnation has significant implications for our theology and understanding of salvation. It allows us to affirm that Jesus is a true man who shares in our nature, while still holding firmly to his divine nature. It helps us to grasp the significance of Jesus' ability to be our mediator, savior, and the head of the church. This view also highlights the mystery of the incarnation, acknowledging that we may not fully comprehend how the divine and human natures are united in one person, yet it is a truth that we are called to believe and celebrate. It deepens our appreciation for the wonder of Christ's incarnation, reminding us of the glorious truth that our Savior is both fully divine and fully human.
Confessional Alignment
While the terminative assumption view is not explicitly mentioned in the confession, it is in agreement with its teachings. The confession affirms that Jesus, being the eternal Son of God, took upon himself man's nature, and that the two distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person. This aligns with the terminative assumption approach, which emphasizes that the divine person terminates the human nature without subtraction or addition, preserving the teachings of the confession in regard to the incarnation.
The Glory of the Incarnation
Ultimately, the terminative assumption view allows us to marvel at the glory and mystery of the incarnation. It enables us to affirm that Jesus truly became man without compromising his divine nature. It invites us to humbly embrace the wonder and beauty of the Word becoming flesh, and to rejoice in the truth that our Savior, the eternal Son of God, took on our human nature to redeem and reconcile us to God.
In Episode 125 of Theology In Particular, Dr. James Dolezal joins me to talk about the incarnation, especially the manner of the Word’s assumption of a human nature. Two episodes will be devoted to this subject. In the first, Dr. Dolezal warns against two flawed ways of speaking about the Son’s assumption of a human nature (nothing was subtracted from or added to the person of the Son). The second is a positive proposal of how to think and speak more accurately concerning the mystery of the incarnation.
