Shedd on the Incarnation

[KMK]

Shedd Dogmatic Theology Vol II; Page 267

Preveious to the assumption of a human nature, the Logos could not experience a human feeling because he had no human hear, but after this assumption he could; previous to the incarnation, he could not have a finite perception because he had no finite intellect, but after this event he could; prvious to the incarnation, the self-consciousness of the Logos was eternal only, that is, without succession, but subsequent to the incarnation it was both eternal and temporal, with and without succession…Prior to, or apart from its union with a material body, a man’s immaterial soul cannot feel a physical sensation or a sensuous appetite; but when united with it in a personal union, it can so feel. In like manner, prior to the incarnation, the second person of the Trinity could not have human sensations and experiences; but after it h could. The unincarnate Logos could think and feel only like God; he had only one form of consciousness. The incarnate Logos can think and feel either like God. Or like man; he has two modes or forms of consciousness.

 

[Peairtach]

This is why Christ can be e.g. ignorant and yet not ignorant, finite and yet not finite, at the same time.

God always wanted - not needed - to become man; in the way in which He did become man? (Proverbs 8:31)

 

[KMK]

How do Shedd's comments apply to LBC 8:6?

Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after His incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein He was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman which should bruise the serpent's head; and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world; being yesterday and today the same, and forever.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Redemption was communicated to the elect in all ages. But was the Mediator 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities' before the Incarnation? If so, how?

 

[Peairtach]

I suppose the answer to your Q might be that He wasn't -in the same way- and this is another of the ways in which we are in a better administration of the Covenant than the Old Testament saints. Although of course we read of the great loving kindness and compassion of God for His people in the OT.

Re LBC 8:6, the accomplishment of salvation was certain in the mind of God, who has planned all events, and knows that they will happen. How the humanity of Christ experienced the journey to the Cross is different. E.g. He knew He had come to die and had to die, but He brought before His father the possibility of another way (even if only hypothetically?) in the Garden of Gethsemane.