Die polymorphe Christologie und ihre soteriologischen Implikationen in der Ascensio Isaiae

The Ascensio Isaiae is one of the first apocryphal texts of early Christianity. In it, the prophet Isaiah is granted avision that depicts the descent and ascent of the Son of God. The text focuses on the redemption of those who believe in Christ's salvation and their post-mortem reward. During his descent, Christ assumes various angelic shapes before taking his human form on earth. His death upon the cross and resurrection from the dead open up the possibility of salvation to all who believe in him. Two questions arise from the text: What is the function of the assumption of the angelic forms by the »Beloved«? Do the fallen angels also receive the opportunity to repent? The Ascensio Isaiae gives aclear response to these questions: If all godless creatures, both humans and angels, turn to the »Beloved« out of sorrow and repentance for their apostasy from God and worship him, the opportunity of salvation exists for them. Thus, those who repent for their ungodly actions and behavior and also come to the knowledge of the truth – like Satan and his angels in AscIs 11:23f. – can find their way back to God through worship. In this sense, the Savior is offered as the way for all created beings to repent by the own free will.