The answer
The one who was hung on the Cross was none other than Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Jews had nothing to gain from crucifying a substitute. The aim of the scribes, priests, and Pharisees was to get rid of Christ Himself, and not another, in order to maintain their authorities, positions, and dominion over the people and the land (John 11:50-52; 18:14).
Furthermore, the One Who was crucified is Himself the One Who rose and spoke with the disciples after His resurrection (Matt. 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:36-39; John 20:20-29). If the one who died was a mere man, what then is there to gain from his death, seeing as how “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
If Christ was a mere man, and not God, why then are His death and crucifixion being denied? Man, by nature, is capable of dying and crucifixion.
So, either He is God Who is being depraved of the Cross and the Passions, or He bore our sins, being made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21).
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Pope Tawadros II, My Faith: A Series of Dialogues on the Creed (Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, 2014), 93–94.
The pages in the book (93–94)
