Christology 1: An Intro to the Doctrine of Christ
Notes
Transcript
There are three basic reasons why this study of the Bible doctrines concerning the Lord Jesus Christ is of the utmost importance:
There are three basic reasons why this study of the Bible doctrines concerning the Lord Jesus Christ is of the utmost importance:
1. Jesus Christ is the SUM and SUBSTANCE, the CENTER and ESSENCE of Bible Christianity.
1. Jesus Christ is the SUM and SUBSTANCE, the CENTER and ESSENCE of Bible Christianity.
If we take Buddha from Buddhism — we still have a system of belief.
If we take Buddha from Buddhism — we still have a system of belief.
If we take Mohammed from Islam — we still have a system of belief.
If we take Mohammed from Islam — we still have a system of belief.
If we take Smith from Mormonism — we still have a system of belief.
If we take Smith from Mormonism — we still have a system of belief.
BUT
If we take Christ from Christianity—we have nothing!!
If we take Christ from Christianity—we have nothing!!
Christianity is not a system of beliefs, but a PERSON. One does not become a Christian through the observance of rules and rites, but through a PERSON, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christianity is not a system of beliefs, but a PERSON. One does not become a Christian through the observance of rules and rites, but through a PERSON, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hence we may conclude that if we are wrong on the doctrine of Christ we will have the wrong kind of Christianity. See: II John 9-11.
Hence we may conclude that if we are wrong on the doctrine of Christ we will have the wrong kind of Christianity. See: II John 9-11.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
2. Jesus Christ is the CENTRAL FIGURE of human history.
2. Jesus Christ is the CENTRAL FIGURE of human history.
Jesus Christ cannot be ignored. Even the most avowed atheist acknowledges Him every time he writes a date, for this Man separates all human history. No other Person has influenced the lives of men and women — or the course of nations — as has the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ cannot be ignored. Even the most avowed atheist acknowledges Him every time he writes a date, for this Man separates all human history. No other Person has influenced the lives of men and women — or the course of nations — as has the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is ...
Jesus is ...
"Heaven's bread for earth's hunger
"Heaven's bread for earth's hunger
Heaven's water for earth's thirst
Heaven's water for earth's thirst
Heaven's light for earth's guilt
Heaven's light for earth's guilt
Heaven's beauty for earth's ugliness
Heaven's beauty for earth's ugliness
Heaven's wisdom for earth's folly Heaven's peace for earth's strife
Heaven's wisdom for earth's folly Heaven's peace for earth's strife
Heaven's justification for earth's condemnation Heaven's salvation for earth's damnation."
Heaven's justification for earth's condemnation Heaven's salvation for earth's damnation."
3. Jesus Christ is the PRIME TARGET of Satanic attack.
3. Jesus Christ is the PRIME TARGET of Satanic attack.
The underlying thrust of the Devil's attacks upon Bible Christianity is directed at the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan particularly seeks to discredit Christ by tempting men to doubt the Bible (which Christ accredited) and its miracles (which Christ performed.)
The underlying thrust of the Devil's attacks upon Bible Christianity is directed at the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan particularly seeks to discredit Christ by tempting men to doubt the Bible (which Christ accredited) and its miracles (which Christ performed.)
Satan knows what is at stake — there can be only ONE Lord! (See: Isaiah 14:14). This is why the temptation of Christ was so critical:
Satan knows what is at stake — there can be only ONE Lord! (See: Isaiah 14:14). This is why the temptation of Christ was so critical:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Satan was trying to make a devil-worshiper out of Christ, knowing that a successful outcome would have made him Lord.
Satan was trying to make a devil-worshiper out of Christ, knowing that a successful outcome would have made him Lord.
Satan's emissaries (which include a lot of modernistic "churchmen" and “scholars" — Il Corinthians 11:4,13-15) have fomented much false doctrine concerning the Son of God, thereby making it all the more important for each student to KNOW the truth and be able to STAND by it.
Satan's emissaries (which include a lot of modernistic "churchmen" and “scholars" — Il Corinthians 11:4,13-15) have fomented much false doctrine concerning the Son of God, thereby making it all the more important for each student to KNOW the truth and be able to STAND by it.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
In studying the doctrine of Christ (in theology called "Christology") we are concerned with two areas — the PERSON and the WORK of Christ.
In studying the doctrine of Christ (in theology called "Christology") we are concerned with two areas — the PERSON and the WORK of Christ.
Person — Humanity, Deity
Person — Humanity, Deity
Work — Past, Present, Prospective
Work — Past, Present, Prospective
It is essential that the student of the Word of God discern which of the above categories applies to any given passage of scripture relating to Christ. The Bible sometimes refers to Jesus Christ as a man, and at other times as God. An overall, balanced Christology must be developed, taking into account the entire testimony of scripture.
It is essential that the student of the Word of God discern which of the above categories applies to any given passage of scripture relating to Christ. The Bible sometimes refers to Jesus Christ as a man, and at other times as God. An overall, balanced Christology must be developed, taking into account the entire testimony of scripture.
Each of the four Gospels portrays the Lord Jesus Christ in a different light, from a different perspective, and often to a specific audience. A good way to understand the differences between the four Gospels is to consider how an average family records its own history and accomplishments. Over a period if time, an array of photographs, video footage, audiotapes, newspaper clippings, locks of hair, awards, letters, diaries, and memories will be accumulated - each of which gives part of the story; all of which compose the full story.
Each of the four Gospels portrays the Lord Jesus Christ in a different light, from a different perspective, and often to a specific audience. A good way to understand the differences between the four Gospels is to consider how an average family records its own history and accomplishments. Over a period if time, an array of photographs, video footage, audiotapes, newspaper clippings, locks of hair, awards, letters, diaries, and memories will be accumulated - each of which gives part of the story; all of which compose the full story.
MATTHEW. is like a portrait — stately and regal Presents Christ as the KING - declaring His Sovereignty. → Jews
MATTHEW. is like a portrait — stately and regal Presents Christ as the KING - declaring His Sovereignty. → Jews
MARK ........ is like a video - fast-moving action Presents Christ as the SERVANT — declaring His Ministry. → Romans
MARK ........ is like a video - fast-moving action Presents Christ as the SERVANT — declaring His Ministry. → Romans
LUKE. ........... is like a scrapbook — pictures of life, personal Presents Christ as the MAN - declaring His Humanity.→ Greeks
LUKE. ........... is like a scrapbook — pictures of life, personal Presents Christ as the MAN - declaring His Humanity.→ Greeks
JOHN …. is like a photographic study — pictures with a purpose (John 20:21)Presents Christ as GOD - declaring His Deity. → World
JOHN …. is like a photographic study — pictures with a purpose (John 20:21)Presents Christ as GOD - declaring His Deity. → World
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
(Jehovah's Witnesses and other unitarian cults will focus more on the Gospels of Mark and Luke — and especially steer clear of John's Gospel!)
(Jehovah's Witnesses and other unitarian cults will focus more on the Gospels of Mark and Luke — and especially steer clear of John's Gospel!)
SOME WORDS TO EXPLAIN
SOME WORDS TO EXPLAIN
1. JESUS:
1. JESUS:
This is transliterated from the Greek word "'Indous" [pronounced
"Yay-sous"] and is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, or Jehoshua.
The name means "Saviour," or more precisely, "Jehovah-Saviour." Matthew 1:21 —
This is transliterated from the Greek word "'Indous" [pronounced
"Yay-sous"] and is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, or Jehoshua.
The name means "Saviour," or more precisely, "Jehovah-Saviour." Matthew 1:21 —
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
2. CHRIST:
2. CHRIST:
This is transliterated from the Greek word "Xpiatos" ['Christos'] which means "anointed." It is equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah."
This is transliterated from the Greek word "Xpiatos" ['Christos'] which means "anointed." It is equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah."
3. DEITY:
3. DEITY:
This a theological term derived from the Latin word "deus" meaning “God." When we speak of the "deity of Christ," we are referring to the fact that He is God.
4. INCARNATION:
4. INCARNATION:
This word means, “to embody in flesh," and refers to the coming of Christ to this world as a Man.
This word means, “to embody in flesh," and refers to the coming of Christ to this world as a Man.
5. THE "ONLY BEGOTTEN SON:"
5. THE "ONLY BEGOTTEN SON:"
The Greek word translated "only begotten" is "Hovoyevns" ['monogenes'].
The Greek word translated "only begotten" is "Hovoyevns" ['monogenes'].
Most would think of begetting in the sense of human generation — a father produces a son, e.g. Matthew 1:2. This is not the case with the Son of God, Who was "in the beginning" - John 1:1.
Most would think of begetting in the sense of human generation — a father produces a son, e.g. Matthew 1:2. This is not the case with the Son of God, Who was "in the beginning" - John 1:1.
2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The term is one of relationship, not generation. "The only begotten Son is that association in the Godhead which can be best illustrated to man by the relationship of father and son."
The term is one of relationship, not generation. "The only begotten Son is that association in the Godhead which can be best illustrated to man by the relationship of father and son."
This point is demonstrated by Hebrews 11:17, where Isaac is called Abraham's "only begotten son" when in fact Abraham begat other children, including Ishmael who was actually born first! Isaac was the heir. God has many other sons — by creative fiat (Job 38:7), by natural generation (Malachi 2:10a; Acts 17:26a), and by spiritual regeneration (John 1:12;James 1:18). These kinds of sonship have come about through an ACT of God — but not so with Jesus Christ. Therefore, the term "only begotten Son" is exclusive to Jesus Christ to indicate the unique relationship He has with the Father in the Godhead
This point is demonstrated by Hebrews 11:17, where Isaac is called Abraham's "only begotten son" when in fact Abraham begat other children, including Ishmael who was actually born first! Isaac was the heir. God has many other sons — by creative fiat (Job 38:7), by natural generation (Malachi 2:10a; Acts 17:26a), and by spiritual regeneration (John 1:12;James 1:18). These kinds of sonship have come about through an ACT of God — but not so with Jesus Christ. Therefore, the term "only begotten Son" is exclusive to Jesus Christ to indicate the unique relationship He has with the Father in the Godhead
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
7 When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
10 Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, By profaning the covenant of our fathers?
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
6. THE WORD:
6. THE WORD:
This name for Christ is used only in the writings of the apostle John (John 1:1,14; 1 John 1:1; 5:7; and Revelation 19:13). It is translated from the Greek word "Aóyos" ['logos'] which means, "word" or "expression." Jesus Christ is the full expression and revelation of God. He is the Revealer. "As language expresses thought, so Christ is the Expression, the Revealer, the Manifester of God."
This name for Christ is used only in the writings of the apostle John (John 1:1,14; 1 John 1:1; 5:7; and Revelation 19:13). It is translated from the Greek word "Aóyos" ['logos'] which means, "word" or "expression." Jesus Christ is the full expression and revelation of God. He is the Revealer. "As language expresses thought, so Christ is the Expression, the Revealer, the Manifester of God."
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
i John 1:1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
The same word is also used of the Bible. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God, the Bible is the written Word of God.
The same word is also used of the Bible. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God, the Bible is the written Word of God.
Christ:
Christ:
Truth John 14:6
Truth John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Everlasting John 5:58
Everlasting John 5:58
John 5:5
Life-Giving John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Saving Acts 16:31
Saving Acts 16:31
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Purifying Titus 2:14
Purifying Titus 2:14
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Sanctifying Hebrews 10:14
Sanctifying Hebrews 10:14
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Glorifying God Romans 15:9
Glorifying God Romans 15:9
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Living John 11:25
Living John 11:25
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Bible:
Bible:
Truth John 17:17
Truth John 17:17
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Everlasting Psalm 119:89
Everlasting Psalm 119:89
89 LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.
Life giving James 1:18
Life giving James 1:18
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Saving I Corinthians 15:1-2
Saving I Corinthians 15:1-2
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Purifying I Peter 1:22
Purifying I Peter 1:22
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Sanctifying John 17:17
Sanctifying John 17:17
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Glorifying God Acts 13:48
Glorifying God Acts 13:48
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Living I Peter 1:23
Living I Peter 1:23
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Note: Toward the close of the first century A.D., the Holy Spirit evidently moved the apostle John to write certain passages in his Gospel and epistles to counteract the rising Gnostic heresy. Gnosticism grew out of the unholy blending of pure Christianity with Greek pagan philosophy, and viewed Jesus Christ as an "emanated being" — a god, among lesser deities. The term "logos" was employed by philosophers such as Philo (c.20B.C.-C.50 A.D.). This word only refutes the notion of Christ being emanated along with other ons; the term "only begotten Son" refutes the Gnostic concept that He was lesser, subordinate, or inferior to God.
Note: Toward the close of the first century A.D., the Holy Spirit evidently moved the apostle John to write certain passages in his Gospel and epistles to counteract the rising Gnostic heresy. Gnosticism grew out of the unholy blending of pure Christianity with Greek pagan philosophy, and viewed Jesus Christ as an "emanated being" — a god, among lesser deities. The term "logos" was employed by philosophers such as Philo (c.20B.C.-C.50 A.D.). This word only refutes the notion of Christ being emanated along with other ons; the term "only begotten Son" refutes the Gnostic concept that He was lesser, subordinate, or inferior to God.
