THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Thus, the offering represents this cleansing achieved through Christ's death, while our response is to dedicate ourselves to God, committing to a life of holiness. The law prescribes and affirms that those without blame will be presented in this offering. Among the sacrifices made, some symbolize Christ who was sacrificed for our sake, and others illustrate our dedication of ourselves to God. Therefore, it is affirmed that those offerings will remain unblemished and that they will not suffer harm. For Christ is without blame, having 'committed no sin' (1 Pet. 2:22). However, God will not accept us while we are still tainted by sin.
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Consequently, it is conveyed in Leviticus: 'And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to Aaron and his sons and all the children of Israel and say to them: If any man from the house of Israel, or any stranger residing among them, presents an offering to the Lord as a burnt offering, seeking God’s favor, it must be without defect, a male from the herd, flock, or goats; do not offer an animal with any defect, for it will not be accepted. If an individual brings an offering of peace to the Lord to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, whether from herd or flock, the offering must be without defect to be pleasing to God; there must be no blemish on it. Animals that are blind, injured, deformed, or have any physical defect are not to be presented to the Lord, nor should they be sacrificed on the altar. A bull or lamb that has uneven legs may be offered as a freewill offering, but it is not acceptable if presented as a vow; animals that are crushed, broken, or cut must not be offered to the Lord, nor should anything from foreigners be presented to your God, as they are unclean and defective; such offerings will not gain you favor’ (Lev. 22:17-25).
Notice how clearly the law instructs the Israelites, as well as those from outside who wish to join them, regarding the necessity of ensuring their sacrifices are flawless. We are commanded to offer what is strong and free from passions; anything that is effeminate or mentally impaired is deeply disfavored by God and is rejected by Him. Would you not consider that which possesses these flaws to be unsanctified?
Palladius. Clearly, that must be the case.
Cyril. Thus, the weak and passive are dismissed, while the strong, exemplified in masculine nature, particularly when accompanied by purity, is pleasing to God. For Immanuel embodies both strength and purity as He is truly the might of God and is without sin. He also embodies the role of a husband in a deeper sense: the male is invariably greater, nobler, and more formidable than the female; yet the Son surpasses all in excellence and authority, having taken on our likeness and, as a shepherd, identified with His sheep for our sake.