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Author:
Saint Thomas Aquinas

e-Sword Version:
9.x - 10.x

The "First Part of the Second Part" (Prima Secundæ Partis) is the second major division of Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica, focusing primarily on Christology—the study of Christ—while also exploring aspects of salvation, the Incarnation, and related theological themes.

This section begins with Aquinas examining the reasons for the Incarnation, emphasizing that God’s purpose in becoming human was to restore humanity’s fallen state. Aquinas articulates that Christ’s coming was necessary for the salvation of mankind, as it provided a perfect example of divine virtue and an efficacious means of grace. He discusses the propriety of the Incarnation, asserting that it was fitting for the divine wisdom to assume human nature, uniting human and divine in one person for the sake of redemption.

Aquinas then delves into the nature of Christ’s person, emphasizing the union of divine and human natures in one person—the hypostatic union. He explains that Christ’s divine nature remains unchanged and distinct from His human nature, yet they exist inseparably in one individual. This union allows Christ to act as an intermediary between God and humanity, capable of revealing divine truths and providing salvation.

The treatise explores the qualities of Christ’s human nature, highlighting that His human knowledge was perfect but limited by His physical form, yet His divine knowledge was infinite. Aquinas discusses how Christ’s human will is perfectly aligned with His divine will, emphasizing His obedience and the importance of His voluntary acceptance of suffering and death. This obedience underscores the significance of Christ’s sacrifice in the economy of salvation.

Further, Aquinas examines the significance of the Incarnation for human salvation. He underscores that only a divine person could sufficiently atone for human sins, and thus the union of divine and human in Christ was essential. The section reflects on the necessity of Christ’s sufferings and death, viewing them as necessary for the redemption of humanity, and emphasizing that Christ’s passion was a voluntary act motivated by love.

Throughout this part, Aquinas also discusses the implications of Christ’s nature and work for the believer, emphasizing that through Christ, humans are able to attain salvation and partake in divine life. The chapter concludes by reaffirming the importance of Christ’s dual nature for the efficacy of His redemptive work, setting the stage for further elaboration on the effects of His Passion and Resurrection in subsequent sections.

In essence, the "First Part of the Second Part" provides a comprehensive theological treatment of Christ’s person and work, establishing the foundation for understanding the significance of the Incarnation and Christ’s role in salvation history.