Meaning:
The quote "But this Christ or Redeemer took not upon him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham, that is, human nature, that in the nature which sinned he might make the expiation required" is a theological statement that reflects on the nature of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer in Christian doctrine. The quote is attributed to Adam Clarke, a theologian known for his commentary on the Bible.
The quote highlights the central Christian belief that Jesus Christ, as the Redeemer, took on human form in order to fulfill the role of redeeming humanity from sin. The reference to "the nature of angels" emphasizes that Christ did not assume a celestial or divine form, but rather took on the "seed of Abraham," signifying human nature. This concept is rooted in the Christian understanding of the Incarnation, the belief that God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
By taking on human nature, Christ was able to identify with and represent humanity in its fallen state. The phrase "in the nature which sinned" alludes to the original sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, which resulted in the fallen state of humanity. According to Christian theology, Jesus Christ, as the perfect and sinless Son of God, became the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity, thereby making the "expiation required" to reconcile humanity with God.
The theological significance of this quote lies in its reflection of the doctrine of atonement, which addresses the means by which humanity is reconciled with God through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. According to traditional Christian belief, the atonement achieved by Christ's death on the cross is necessary to restore the broken relationship between humanity and God, which was severed by sin.
In the context of Christian theology, the reference to the "seed of Abraham" is significant as it connects the redemptive work of Christ to the covenantal promises made to Abraham in the Old Testament. The belief is that Christ, as a descendant of Abraham, fulfills the promises of God to bless all nations through Abraham's seed, as stated in the book of Genesis.
Adam Clarke, the theologian attributed with this quote, was a prominent 18th-century Methodist theologian and biblical scholar. His commentary on the Bible, "Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible," is widely regarded for its in-depth analysis of biblical texts and its influence on theological thought within the Methodist tradition.
In conclusion, the quote "But this Christ or Redeemer took not upon him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham, that is, human nature, that in the nature which sinned he might make the expiation required" encapsulates the central Christian belief in the Incarnation and atonement, emphasizing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of humanity. It reflects the theological understanding of Christ's role as the Redeemer who took on human nature to reconcile humanity with God and fulfill the covenantal promises made to Abraham.