The Coptic Church Dogma (Based on the Creed) DG_1: One God DG_1: One God DG_2: The Trinity DG_2: The Trinity DG_3: The Divinity of Christ DG_3: The Divinity of Christ DG_4: The Doctrine of Incarnation DG_4: The Doctrine of Incarnation DG_5: The Doctrine of Redemption/Salvation “Crucified for our salvation … Suffered and buried … Arose … Ascended … Come again”

The Doctrine of Redemption 1)I ntroduction 2) Paving the way for Redemption 3) Steps of Redemption a) State of Humiliation b) State of Exaltation 4) The blessings of Redemption 5) Salvation Common Questions

1)Introduction + “God created man in His own image; in the image of God” Gen 1:27 + After the fall, this image (human nature) was distorted and Adam “begot a son in his own likeness, after his image (i.e. with the corrupted nature)” Gen 5:3 and thus death passed to Adam’s descendents; Rom 5:12 + Result of the fall: - “for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” Gen 2:17 - “cursed is the ground for your sake” Gen 3:17

1)Introduction “Cont’d” + God’s mercy vs. justice required unlimited atonement that the human nature is restored + The savior should have these characteristics (only fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ): Unlimited => “I am the Alpha and the Omega” Rev 1:8 Unlimited => “I am the Alpha and the Omega” Rev 1:8 Sinless => “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” Jn. 8:46 Sinless => “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” Jn. 8:46 Human => The Lord Jesus Christ was called the “Son of Man”; thirsty, hungry, tired, sleeping, etc. Human => The Lord Jesus Christ was called the “Son of Man”; thirsty, hungry, tired, sleeping, etc. Mortal => Our Lord is immortal in His divinity but assumed a human nature liable to die. Mortal => Our Lord is immortal in His divinity but assumed a human nature liable to die.

2) Paving the way for Redemption Prophesies: Zech 11:12, 12:10, Ps. 22, 31:5, 3:5 Prophesies: Zech 11:12, 12:10, Ps. 22, 31:5, 3:5 - “weighed out for my wages thirty piece of silver” Zech 11:12 - “weighed out for my wages thirty piece of silver” Zech 11:12 - Psalm of the Cross (Ps. 22): “God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” - Psalm of the Cross (Ps. 22): “God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” - “I lay down and slept,; I awoke …” Ps. 3:5 - “I lay down and slept,; I awoke …” Ps. 3:5 Personalities of the OT: Noah, Melchsadek, Isaac, Joseph, Joshua, Jonah, etc. Personalities of the OT: Noah, Melchsadek, Isaac, Joseph, Joshua, Jonah, etc. Symbols: copper serpent, Passover lamb, etc. Symbols: copper serpent, Passover lamb, etc. Sacrifices: burnt, flour, sin, peace Sacrifices: burnt, flour, sin, peace

3. Steps of Redemption A) State of Humiliation: - The Incarnation and virginal birth of Christ - The Incarnation and virginal birth of Christ - Suffering of Christ: “Despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” Is. 53:3 - Suffering of Christ: “Despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” Is. 53:3 - Death of Christ: as a human - Death of Christ: as a human - Burial of Christ - Burial of Christ - Descent into Hades - Descent into Hades

3. Steps of Redemption “Cont’d” B) State of Exaltation: - Resurrection - Resurrection - Ascension - Ascension - At God’s right hand - At God’s right hand - Come again - Come again

4. Blessings of Redemption - Man’s salvation (through baptism) - Conquered death - Conquered Satan - Reconciled with God the Father & sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Confirmation) - Forgiven of sins (Repentance & Communion) - Permitted to inherit the eternal life

Salvation Common Questions 1) Since the death of our Lord satisfied the Divine Justice, why then do we still die? a) Physical death of the body: 1Cor 15:26, 53, 55, Phil 1:21, liturgy: “For there is no death for your servants, but a departure” b) Spiritual death due to sin: Rev 3:1, Luke 15:24, Mt. 8:22

Salvation Common Questions “Cont’d” 2) What is the fault of the people who lived before the coming of Christ or those who did not hear the message of the Gospel? a) “Since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen…so that they are without excuse” Rom 1:20 b) There are different levels of punishment: “Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city” Mt 10:15

Salvation Common Questions “Cont’d” 3) Is faith alone sufficient for salvation? Faith and Works are the 2 wings of salvation:Faith and Works are the 2 wings of salvation: “You see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith only” James 2:24 “You see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith only” James 2:24 Bible verses that mention faith only (Acts 16:31, Luke 19:9, etc.) should be understood that salvation starts with faith and confirmed with continuous life of good works (Acts 26:19-20, Mt 7:21, James 2:14, 26Bible verses that mention faith only (Acts 16:31, Luke 19:9, etc.) should be understood that salvation starts with faith and confirmed with continuous life of good works (Acts 26:19-20, Mt 7:21, James 2:14, 26

Salvation Common Questions “Cont’d” 4) If faith alone is not sufficient for salvation, how can you explain the salvation of the Right Thief? According to HH Pope Shenouda III, the Right Thief accomplished 10 good works: GM101_lectures.pdf (p 59-61)According to HH Pope Shenouda III, the Right Thief accomplished 10 good works: GM101_lectures.pdf (p 59-61) GM101_lectures.pdf GM101_lectures.pdf