I. The Third Genus of the Cm. of Attributes

(Genus Apotelesmaticum) (p. 243 et.seq.)

A. Definition by Gerhard: “ ‘that by which in official acts each nature performs what is peculiar to itself, with the participation, however, of the other’ ” (Mueller, p. 284)

B. Third genus only necessary because of Reformed errors.

1. They demand that His human nature be kept apart in its activity or operation from the activity and operation of His divine nature.

2. Again, they argue the “finite/infinite” position.

3. i.e. Reformed reject the 3 ^rd Genus just as they did the 2^nd Genus.

4. Helps explain Reformed views of His miracles.

a. They were official acts, because by them, they were to recognize Him as the incarnate Son of God and divine Savior of sinners. (Mt 11:2-6)

b. They were not in vain. (Jn 1:14)

c. Reformed contend His miracles were no different, according to His human nature, from that of Peter and others.

d. Reformed separate His humanity from the omnipotent operation of the divine nature.

e. They make His “body” identical with the relation of the miracle-working Prophets and Apostles, i.e. “mere instrument”.

5. Consider His prophetic office.

a. Its nature is that Christ, distinct from all other messengers, taught from His own divine knowledge (Jn 1:18; 3:13, 31-34).

b. Reformed would exclude His human nature from a teaching from His own divine knowledge.

c. They do the same concerning His kingly office and where Calvin is consistent, also to His high-priestly office.

C. Definition: “All official acts which Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King has performed and still performs for the salvation of men, He performs according to both natures, by each nature doing what is proper to it, not by itself and apart from the other nature, but in constant communion with the other, in one undivided theanthropic action.” (p. 247)

D. Note that at times the same Scripture passages are adduced to prove all three genera.

II. The Practical Importance of the Genus Apotelesmaticum (p. 252, et. seq.)

A. 3d Genus is directly practical.

1. First two genera are its necessary presuppositions.

2. Church contends for them in the interest of the 3d.

3. The important truths of the first two are asserted to maintain in the third that all actions of Christ are theanthropic.

4. Therefore, they are of a unique, saving and truly consoling nature.

B. His prophetic office.

1. Consists in this, that in Christ, God personally teaches on earth.

2. Heb 1:1,2.

3. He taught as they only-begotten Son.

a. Jn 1:18.

b. Jn 3:31.

C. His sacerdotal office.

1. He offered Himself up to God as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

2. Truly, He does not suffer according to His divine, but according to His human nature.

3. But, also according to His divine nature He is and operates in this suffering.

4. Since, His divine nature remains personally united with the human nature, sustains it, and imparts to the suffering infinite value.

5. Attempts to explain “how” are futile and injurious.

D. His kingly office.

1. Scripture removes any fear that His humanity would be annihilated by participation in the omnipresent dominion over the Church and world.

2. Is of great comfort to us.

a. He is our Brother!

b. Mt. 28:20.