A.D. 680 · extended material
Third Council of Constantinople
Does Christ have one will, or two?
Historical Context
An imperial attempt (Monothelitism) to reconcile Chalcedonian and non-Chalcedonian churches within the empire by softening how Christ's will was described.
Controversy
Monothelites taught Christ possessed a single, divine will — framed as a compromise, but one that quietly denied his full humanity.
Confession / Clarification
The council affirmed dyothelitism: two complete wills, divine and human, operating without conflict, corresponding to Chalcedon's two natures.
Downstream Influence
Closes a loop Chalcedon left open, and safeguards that Christ's human obedience — even in Gethsemane — is real, willing obedience offered on behalf of his people.