The answer
They were definitely in need of someone who would not only save them, but who would renew their nature and restore their potential.
They were in need of another for at least three reasons:
- 1. Deliverer:
One Who delivers, redeems, and saves them from sin. After the Fall of Adam and his expulsion from Paradise as one condemned to die, he began to show regret, confessing, praying, and offering sacrifices. The offering of sacrifice mean that he felt his need for a redeemer. However, it was not possible for an animal to become a mediator between man and God. The constant offering of sacrifices was a continuous and constant reminder that man is in need not of a mediator, but of the Mediator of whom these bloody sacrifices are pointing to (Heb. 9:26). Redemption, then, means that there is a need for a mediator to deliver (Rom. 5:6-8).
- 2. Restorer:
One Who restores humanity after it had been corrupted completely by sin and evil had coursed through it. None can perform this function, except for God alone, for the simple reason that He is the creator of man.
Of course, it was not possible for man to ascend to God on account of the evil that had shackled him with chains that restrain any ascent. So he was in need of God to come to him in flesh in order to raise him from his fall, and to lift him up, delivering and restoring His creation.
- 3. Archetype:
Humanity was in need of one who would offer a model of human perfection. This is why we see the Master Christ-to Him be glory-teaching virtue in His Person, and not with His words, as all the teachers who preceded Him had done. We see Him challenging His generation and every generation, “Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” (John 8:46). So, in His coming amongst us, He was an example so that we may follow His steps (1 Pet. 2:21).
Thus, in the Person of Blessed Christ, these three things were fulfilled:
Deliverer-Restorer-Archetype
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Pope Tawadros II, My Faith: A Series of Dialogues on the Creed (Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, 2014), 63–65.
The pages in the book (63–65)
