Theological Correlations between the Concept of Johannine Incarnation and the Pauline “Being in Christ” Motif

Abstract

The study examines the inner connections between Johannine theology of the Incarnation and the Pauline concept of “being in Christ,” uncovering how these two New Testament poles express the same soteriological mystery in distinct linguistic and hermeneutical registers. John outlines the divine descent, while Paul traces the human ascent, yet both articulate the same dynamic of divine–human communio. The central thesis of the research is that the Incarnation and “being in Christ” are mutually presupposing theological realities: God became human so that humanity might have a new life in Christ. Through philological-theological analysis, comparative exegesis, and hermeneutical synthesis, the study demonstrates how John’s Logos Christology and Paul’s participatory anthropological vision converge, particularly at pneumatological, soteriological, anthropological, and ecclesiological intersections. The dialogue between the Incarnation and “being in Christ” constitutes the essential syntax of Christian theology: the eternal Word became flesh so that humanity might live in God.