Two Natures in Christ

by Martin Chemnitz

This is a translation of Chemnitz's De Duabus Naturis in Christo, written in 1578. This book concerns the two natures of Christ (the divine and the human), their hypostatic union and the communication of their attributes and related questions. It shows that the Christology of the Lutheran reformers is that of Scripture, the ancient church fathers, and the creeds.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christianity, Reference

542 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1970

Reviews

[Adam Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quintessential book on the two natures of the person Jesus Christ. It was first published in 1570 and expanded by 1578. Chemnitz is addressing Jesus Christ as being both God and man while addressing the Communication of the Attributes of the two natures. The subject is of the highest importance in Christian theology because this determines how we are saved. Basically, Jesus must be man to be the sacrifice for humanity, and he must be God to offer a sacrifice of such value to redeem all humanity. Should the natures be separated, then there is no salvation. The ancient Church, which Chemnitz surveys in extensive detail, affirms the need for clarity on this doctrine and held several Ecumenical Councils on the subject.

The main reason for Chemnitz's writing is confusion within the Lutheran Church on the two natures given the recent opposition from the Reformed (Calvinist and Zwinglian) churches which deny the presence of Christ's body in the Lord's Supper and the continuity of Lutheran teaching with the ancient Church, which Roman Catholics would deny to the Lutherans. Therefore, Chemnitz articulates the scriptural and patristic sources on Christ's natures to more greatly explain three genera within the Communication of Attributes: the Genus Idiomaticum (each nature has attributes peculiar to it that define it), the Genus Apotelesmaticum (each nature is needed in unison for salvation), and the Genus Maiestaticum (the divine nature communicates attributes to the human nature by the will of God for certain actions while the divine nature is not lowered by receiving human attributes).

[Jared Mindel · Rating 5 out of 5]

God-breathed.

[Connor Longaphie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite theology. Written at an advanced level, both linguistically and conceptually. The theology though not easily accessible is thoroughly biblical, deeply historical, and highly applicable. This is Lutheran christology at its best. Two natures one person. God the Son on a cross for your salvation.

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid stuff. Chemnitz rocks the theological world of intricate doctrinal disputation. To sum up his argument, "It's a miracle bro!"

[Kolter Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite works.

[Bradley Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely clear, thorough, and biblical work of Christology.

[Alex Monseth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very repetitive. Felt like the thesis and subpoints could have been presented with 10% of the words used. But good truth in there!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good theology.