Meaning: The quote "For Christ, both God and man, must lay hold on us in order that there may be a union between Him and us" by Martin Chemnitz, a prominent Lutheran theologian, encapsulates a fundamental aspect of Christian theology known as the hypostatic union. This concept is central to understanding the nature of Jesus Christ as both fully divine and fully human, and the implications of this union for the salvation of humanity.

In Christian theology, the hypostatic union refers to the belief that Jesus Christ is one person in whom two natures, divine and human, are united. This union is crucial for understanding the redemptive work of Christ and the relationship between God and humanity. The quote suggests that for this union to be effective, both the divine and human aspects of Christ must be actively involved in connecting with humanity, emphasizing the dynamic and intentional nature of this union.

Martin Chemnitz, the author of the quote, was a key figure in the Lutheran Reformation and made significant contributions to the development of Lutheran theology. His writings, including those on the person and work of Christ, continue to be influential in theological discussions within the Lutheran tradition and beyond.

The phrase "lay hold on us" implies a deliberate and active reaching out by both the divine and human aspects of Christ towards humanity. This action is seen as essential for establishing a union between Christ and humanity, highlighting the agency of Christ in initiating and maintaining this union. In Christian thought, this union is not passive or unilateral but involves a reciprocal relationship in which both parties are actively involved.

The quote also underscores the significance of the union between Christ and humanity for the Christian understanding of salvation. According to Christian doctrine, the hypostatic union is intimately connected to the atonement, which is the reconciliation of humanity with God through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ. The belief in the dual nature of Christ is foundational to the understanding of how Christ's redemptive work is efficacious for humanity.

Furthermore, the quote emphasizes the necessity of this union for the Christian concept of communion with God. The union between Christ and humanity is not merely a theological abstraction but has practical implications for the believer's relationship with God. Through this union, Christians believe they can experience a transformative and intimate connection with the divine, characterized by reconciliation, redemption, and spiritual communion.

In summary, Martin Chemnitz's quote encapsulates the profound theological concept of the hypostatic union, emphasizing the active and intentional nature of the union between Christ, who is both God and man, and humanity. This union is central to Christian beliefs about salvation, atonement, and communion with God, and continues to be a subject of contemplation and study within Christian theology.