In this chapter we will look at the idea that the incarnation of Jesus Christ is an emergency measure in reaction to sin.
First we will look at the motive for the incarnation of Christ to see whether there could be any reason for Christ's incarnation, other than sin. Once we have demonstrated that the incarnation is nothing more (or less) than God's gracious reaction to sin we will examine the person and work of Jesus Christ and provide support for A.A. van Ruler's view that these are inseparable and are to be understood functionally.
In the following section of this chapter we will look at this function performed by Christ understood as expiatio, placatio and satisfactio. The consequences of this anselmian (and reformed) understanding of Christ's work as the saving of this reality will be contrasted with Moltmann's idea of a nova creatio.