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For Orthodox Christians such as myself, the belief in the need for a Messiah is rooted in their understanding of human nature and the relationship between God and creation.
From an Orthodox perspective, humans are created in the image and likeness of God but have fallen short of His glory due to sin. This separation from God results in a brokenness or sickness that affects all aspects of our lives, including our relationships with others, ourselves, and the natural world around us. The ultimate consequence of this fall is death, both physical and spiritual. In order to heal this divide and restore humanity's relationship with God, there must be someone who can bridge the gap between Creator and creature, bring about reconciliation, and provide eternal life. This person is the long-awaited Messiah promised by God throughout history, whose coming was prophesied by the Old Testament Prophets and fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
The Incarnation, or the becoming flesh of God in Jesus Christ, serves as the means through which salvation is accomplished. By uniting divinity and humanity within himself, Christ reveals God's love and mercy while providing a pathway for human transformation. Through his teachings, suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Christ offers new life and hope to those who believe in him, restoring them to communion with God and each other. Therefore, the role of the Messiah is seen not only as a figure of redemption but also as the source of knowledge and truth about God's will for human existence. Thus, in summary, the philosophical need for a Messiah arises from a recognition of human limitations, moral failures, and mortality, along with a desire for meaningful connection to something greater than oneself. Only through the Messiah can these needs be met by offering a path toward salvation, renewal, and transcendence.
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