Understanding the Doctrine of Interpenetration in Christianity

When approaching theological concepts, the doctrine of interpenetration can be a challenging one. This term, while not as commonly discussed as others, is closely tied to a fundamental aspect of Christian theology: the two natures of Christ—divine and human. Let's dive into what this means and why it's important.

The Question of Interpenetration: A Christological Issue

Interpenetration, in Christian theology, primarily refers to the way in which the divine and human natures of Christ interact or coexist. This concept is closely related to the doctrine of perichoresis.

What is Perichoresis?

Perichoresis, derived from the Greek word meaning 'to encompass,' describes the inextricable interweaving of the divine and human natures within Jesus Christ. According to Christian theology, the divine and human natures co-exist in a relationship of mutual indwelling, rather than the divine nature overshadowing the human or the two natures existing separately.

The Unity and Communication of the Natures

The divine and human natures are united and communicate with one another. The human nature, while distinct and not informing the divine, is still profoundly influenced by the divine attributes. For instance, the miracles performed by Jesus, such as walking on water and turning water into wine, are seen as manifestations of these divine attributes overshadowing the human limitations.

Examples of Perichoresis in Scripture

Matthew 9:4: Here, Jesus is described as knowing people's thoughts, indicating a deep understanding of their inner workings, a divine characteristic overshadowing a human limitation.

John 20:19–20: During Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, He was seen and talked with by disciples in a locked room. This shows His human limitation (being restricted by physical space) co-existing with a divine ability (appearing in enclosed spaces).

John 19:30: Despite being all-powerful and dominant over death, Jesus is portrayed as physically declining and dying, highlighting both divine and human dimensions of His nature.

Theological Implications

The doctrine of interpenetration and perichoresis underscores the unity and integrity of Christ's dual nature. When we say that God died or suffered, it's done so through the full personhood of Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently portrays Jesus' actions as the actions of Christ, not just the divine or the human part.

Scriptural References

Scriptures like Hebrews 2:9, Ephesians 1:7, Acts 20:28, Philippians 2:6–8, and 2 Corinthians 5:19 all speak to the idea that God was present in, and acted through, the human form of Christ. The New American Standard Version (NASV) is often recommended here due to its more literal translation, which can help convey these nuances more accurately.

By understanding the doctrine of interpenetration, Christians gain a deeper appreciation for the complex yet unified nature of Jesus Christ, bringing together divine omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience with human limitations and vulnerability.