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The synthesis of St. Thomas contains especially the following three
doctrinal points.
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1) Redemption by the Word incarnate, posited the sin of our first
parents, was not necessary, but fitting. For God could have either
condoned the offense or accepted inadequate reparation; but the
Incarnation as also the passion of God's son were fitting, and in
all this we have the greatest manifestation of God's love for
us.[1766]
2) The Word incarnate, as the moral head of the whole human race,
redeemed us or caused our salvation in five ways: (1) by meriting it
for us; (2) by satisfying for us; (3) by offering Himself in
sacrifice; (4) by liberating us; (5) by being the efficient
cause. In these ways Christ's love prevails, which is the principle
of merit, satisfaction, and sacrifice.
3) Christ's redemption is of infinite value, in virtue of the
hypostatic union, inasmuch as it is a theandric act of love for His
Father and for all men. This makes it apparent that this mystery is
especially a mystery of love.
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In the explanation of this thesis, St. Thomas discusses: (1)
the Passion itself; (2) its efficient cause, on the part of
Christ, the Father, and those that killed Christ; (3) how
Christ's passion was effective, that is, how it caused our
salvation; (4) the effects of the Passion.
This forty-sixth question, which concerns Christ's passion, treats
especially of its fitness and its extreme sufferings. The
predominating elements of the Passion must be noted.
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