Unity in Duality: Christ's Dual Nature
The dual nature of Jesus implies that in one person two complete modes of existence coexist simultaneously: a perfect Divine nature and a perfect human nature. This means that Christ, being both true God and true man, possesses the qualities and attributes of each of these principles, while both remain distinct yet inseparably united in a single hypostatic union.For example, one text states: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, being of both Divinity and humanity, exists in both Divinity and humanity, and is and is called the perfect God and the perfect man, entirely God and entirely man… Therefore, He is not one composite nature, but one hypostasis, knowable in two natures, and two natures in one composite hypostasis.” (source: link txt)This statement emphasizes that Christ is not a mixture of two different beings or the presence of two personalities, but represents a single entity in which two natures—Divine and human—exist simultaneously and indivisibly. In one and the same person, he exhibits what is characteristic of God (for instance, creative power, sovereignty over the creation of the world) and what is inherent to man (for example, participation in suffering, the fullness of human experience).This unity is also evident in the description “True God and true man,” which characterizes not only his essence but also his actions. As stated: “A man by the name of Jesus.
But merely a man?True God and true man. The greatest of the sons of men feel themselves as nothing before the face of God…” (source: link txt)This shows that Christ possesses divine dignity, which distinguishes him from ordinary people, while at the same time fully experiencing and comprehending human nature, remaining a representative of humanity. His divine abilities (for example, creation and control over the world) and human experiences (for example, his birth of the Virgin and his fate on the cross) do not contradict one another but, on the contrary, complement each other, making it possible for him to fulfill the role of the savior.It should also be noted that although the two natures are mystically and inseparably united, they do not merge into a single mixed nature. As it is stated: “It is impossible to merge the natural distinctions of Divinity and humanity in Christ, although they remain inseparably united in one hypostasis. The mixture of opposing entities is impossible, but their mysterious combination in the personality of Christ is possible.” (source: link txt)This idea explains that each nature retains its characteristic traits: the divine nature remains impassible and perfect, while the human nature experiences passions and is subject to physical limitations. It is precisely this unique union that allows Jesus Christ to be fully God and fully Man simultaneously, which is essential for understanding his role in the salvation of the world.Thus, the dual nature of Jesus means that in one union coexist two immutable and perfect natures, each fulfilling its functions: the Divine nature establishes him as the Creator and Lord, while the human nature affirms him as the representative and redeemer of humanity.Supporting citation(s): “Our Lord Jesus Christ, being of both Divinity and humanity, exists in both Divinity and humanity, and is and is called the perfect God and the perfect man, entirely God and entirely man… Therefore, He is not one composite nature, but one hypostasis, knowable in two natures, and two natures in one composite hypostasis.” (source: link txt)“A man by the name of Jesus.
But merely a man?True God and true man. The greatest of the sons of men feel themselves as nothing before the face of God…” (source: link txt)“It is impossible to merge the natural distinctions of Divinity and humanity in Christ, although they remain inseparably united in one hypostasis. The mixture of opposing entities is impossible, but their mysterious combination in the personality of Christ is possible.” (source: link txt)