CHAPTER THREE
CHRISTOLOGY: THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
Introduction
Christology is a study of the nature and person of Jesus Christ. This chapter will
primarily deal with His pre-existence and prophecies about His coming and continuation
by His nature of Jesus as fully divine and fully human. This investigates the significance
of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The necessity for studying Christology gives the
redemptive information and affirmation of the Christian faith.
The Eternality Pre-Existence of Christ
Eternality means He existed always and eternally. Micah said, “His goings forth
are from the days of eternity” (Mic. 5:2). Christ claimed eternality, “Before Abraham
was, I am” (Joh. 8:58). And John’s statement “The Word was God” (Joh. 1:1).1
The Pre-Existence of Christ
The pre-existence of Christ means that He exists from before Creation and time.
His heavenly origin (Joh. 3:13, 31). His work as Creator (Joh. 1:3). His relationship with
God (Phil. 2:6). John the Baptist recognised that He existed before him (Joh. 1:15, 30).2
The Prediction for The Virgin Birth
1
Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986), 392.
2
Ibid., 390.
27
Prophecies of The Virgin Birth
Old Testament is abounding with anticipations of the coming Messiah of Israel.
Numerous predictions, fulfilled in the New Testament, relate to His birth (Isa. 9:6; Luk.
2:11), death (Isa. 53:9; Matt. 27:57-60) and resurrection (Ps.16:8-11; Luk. 24:6-8).
Christ’s Lineage: Genesis 3:15 is known as the protevangelium because it is the
first prophecy about Christ. line of Abraham (Gen. 12:2; Matt. 1:1, 17), Line of Judah
(Gen. 49:10; Matt. 1:1-3). Line of David (2 Sam. 7:12-16) and place of birth (Mic. 5:2).3
Testimony of The Virgin Birth
The two accounts can best be explained by understanding that Matthew gives
Joseph’s genealogy and Luke gives Mary’s. Matthew stresses Jesus’s kingship and thus
connects Him with Abraham, the father of the Kingdom covenant.
Luke stresses Jesus’s humanity and traces Him through His human mother back to
Adam. He must have received his information from Mary. The public supposed Jesus was
the son of Joseph (Luke 3:23). Also, Luke probably received much information from
Paul’s preaching and teaching because Paul had already written some of his letters. 4
Necessity of The Virgin Birth
His divine conception was necessary for His saving work (Matt. 1:21). Preserving
His sinlessness, qualified Him to make atonement for the sins of others (Heb. 2:9;). By
His incarnation, God the Son became the Last Adam. In this role, He is the leader and
pattern of the new humanity who once were members of the old humanity (1 Cor,
15:22).5
3
John F. Walvoord, Jesus Christ our Lord (Chicago: Moody Press, 1969), 82.
4
McCune, Systematic Theology Volume II (Michigan: Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary Press,
2004), 109.
5
Floyd H. Barackman, Practical Christian Theology (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publishing, 2001),
150.
28
The Deity of Christ
To affirm that Christ is God is not simply to suggest He is “Godlike.” He is equal
with the Father in His person and His work. Existed in the form of God (Phil. 2:6).
Teaching of Christ’s Deity
The Scriptures are full of the personal claims of Christ as well as the testimony of
others concerning His deity. The gospel of John is particularly rich in its emphasis on
Christ’s deity.
His Names
God: The Hebrews writer states the superiority of Christ to angels (Heb.1:8).
Lord: In Christ’s debate with the Pharisees, He reminded them that David himself
called Messiah “my Lord” (Matt. 22:44).
Son of God: He claimed to be the Son of God. This claim was central to His
identity and mission (John 5:25).6
His attributes
Eternality: He claimed to exist from eternity past (John 8:58, 17:5).
Omnipresence: He claimed to be everywhere present (Matt. 18:20; 28:20).
Omniscient: Jesus knew what was in the heart of man (John 2:25)
Omnipotent: Jesus had all authority of heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18).
Immutable: Christ does not change; He is forever the same (Heb. 13:8).7
6
Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology (Chicago: Moody Press, 1989; reprint, Telangana:
GS Book, 2017), 229.
7
Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, 410.
29
His works
Creator: John states that there is nothing that has come into being apart from
Christ’s creating it (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16).
Sustainer: Colossians 1:17 teaches that Christ is the cohesive force of the
universe. Hebrews 1:3 states Christ “carries all things forward on their appointed course.”
Forgiver of sin: Only God can forgive sin; the fact that Jesus forgave sin
demonstrates His deity (Mark 2:1-12; Isa. 43:25).
Miracle worker: The miracles of Christ were an attestation of His deity. For
example, when Jesus gave sight to the blind man, the people would have been reminded
of Psalm 146:8, “The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.”8
Humanity of Christ
The humanity of Christ means He has the complete form of a man. If Jesus was
not a real man, then the death on the cross was an illusion; He had to be a real man to die
for humanity. However, He did not possess man’s sinful, fallen nature (1 John 3:5).
Views on Humanity of Christ
The Early Church Views
Docetism: Docetism sees Jesus to be human. God could not have become
material, since all matter is evil, and he is perfectly pure and holy.
Apollinarianism: Apollinarianism is a truncation of Jesus’s humanity. Jesus took
on genuine but not complete human nature.9
8
Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, 229.
9
Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983), 758.
30
Modern Views
Karl Barth: Barth a Neo-Orthodox fully grants the humanity of Jesus, though he
sees nothing remarkable about it. He observes that it is difficult to get historical
information about Jesus, and even when we do, it has no real significance for faith.
Rudolf Bultmann: Bultmann says it is the existential content of the preaching of
the early church.10
Biblical Views of Humanity of Christ
The Virgin Birth
Isaiah foretold the Incarnation as being a virgin birth Hebrew word almah means
“virgin” which refers to a young woman (Gen. 24:43). The uniqueness of Jesus’ birth is
His supernatural conception, not of human generation. Mary was conceived by God the
Holy Spirit, who fathered Jesus’ humanity (Matt. 1:18,20.11
Life of Jesus
He was born just as all human babies are born (Luk. 2:7). He grew through
childhood to adulthood just as other children grow (Luk. 2:40). Luke tells us that “Jesus
increased in wisdom, stature and favour with God and man” (Luk. 2:52).
The Characteristics of a Human Being
Jesus was hungry (Mt. 4:2), thirsty (Jn. 19:28), tired (Jn. 4:6), He experienced
love and compassion (Mt. 9:36), He wept (Jn. 11:35), and He was tested (Heb. 4:15).12
Temptation of Christ
10
Erickson, Christian Theology, 763.
11
Barackman, Practical Cristian Theology, 149.
12
Ryrie, A Survey of Bible Doctrine, 57.
31
He had fasted for forty days in the wilderness and “He was hungry” (Matt. 4:2),
physically weak by the time angels came and ministered to him (Matt. 4:11).13
Body of Flesh and Blood
He suffered greatly in His human body: He experienced the pain of the scourging
(John 19:1), the horror of crucifixion (John 19:18), and on the cross, He thirsted as a man
(John 19:28). These elements emphasize His true humanity.
He Possessed Human Names
He called Himself the Son of man, linking Himself to the work of Saviour and
coming King (Lk. 19:10). The Son of David (Mk. 10: 47), and a man (1 Tim. 2:5).
The Incarnation
The word Incarnation comes from the Latin word incarnatio which means
“embodiment”. From eternity passes He exists and when the due time He took upon
Himself human nature and accomplished the work of redemption (Phil.2:6-8).
The Purpose of Incarnation
The first and foremost reason for His incarnation is to remove mankind's sin
(Heb.9:26). Second, to save people (I Tim. 1:15). Third, Christ revealed the Father (John
14:9), to become the High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18) and the entire plan of redemption is to
praise His glory (Eph.1:6,12,14).14
The Kenosis Theory
13
Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 459.
14
Sambhu Nath De, The Doctrine of Jesus Christ (Ernakulam: Faith Baptist Bible College and
Seminary, 2021), 78.
32
The term Kenosis comes from the Greek word kenoo means “to empty” which
was used by Paul (Phil 2:7).15 Simply means Christ’s emptying Himself of retaining and
exploiting His status in the Godhead and taking on Himself humanity to die.16
Various Views of Kenosis Theory
G. Thomasius (180-75): A German Lutheran Theologian says that Christ gave up
His metaphysical attributes but His moral attributes were retained and after the
resurrection, Christ resumed the metaphysical attributes.
Another German Theologian W.F Gess (1819-91): Argued that Jesus gave all His
metaphysical and moral attributes at His incarnation.17
German Reformed J. H. August Ebrard (1818-88): He believed that the
metaphysical cannot be given up but there was an exchange of the form of God for the
form of human.18
Hans Lassen Martensen (1808-884): A Danish bishop and theologian states Christ
has two separate persons one is cosmic Christ and the other one is human Christ.
Calvinism: Christ gives up His equality with God, He empties Himself by taking
upon Himself the form of bondservant because being equal with God is like robbery
(Phil. 2:6).19
Hypostatic Union
Christ is One Person with two distinct natures. The union of these two natures is
called the Hypostatic Union.
Explanation of Hypostatic Union
15
De, The Doctrine of Jesus Christ, 117.
16
Ryrie, Basic Theology, 435.
17
Morton H. Smith, Systematic Theology volume 1,2 (n. p: The Ephesians Four Group;
www.FreeBibleSoftware.com, 2016), 314.
18
De, The Doctrine of Jesus Christ, 118.
19
Ibid., 128.
33
He is revealed as having all the attributes of Deity. He is declared to be God over
all (Rom. 9:5). Also, He is set forth as possessing all the attributes of humanity, with body
and soul. The Chalcedon Creed declared him to be "truly God and truly man.20
Problem of The Hypostatic Union
As man, His knowledge was limited to what the Father had revealed to Him (Joh.
5:19-20). There is the problem of His being tempted (Matt. 4:1-10), especially when God
cannot die and death naturally is a result of sin (Jam. 1:14).
It is to understand that Jesus is not two persons, one human and the other divine;
but having one personhood, He is one Person. In His incarnation, God the Son assumed a
human nature (Luke 1:35). Although His incarnation gave Him a human nature, Jesus
still possesses the divine nature, by which He is God. He is one person with two natures,
the divine and the human, which make Him the God-man.21
Views on Hypostatic Union
Docetae (second century): Denied the reality of His body (John 4:3).
Ebionites (second century): Denied Jesus’ virgin birth, holding that He was the
offspring of Mary and Joseph.
Apollinarians (fourth century): Denied the completeness of Jesus’ human nature.
Arians (fourth century): Held that the Son was a creature (the first created being),
with a definite beginning and liability to change and sin.
Nestorians (fifth century): Denied that the two natures are united in one
personhood. They held that there are two personhoods.
Eutychians (fifth century): Confused the two natures, making them one that was
more divine than human. Sometimes this is called “Monophysitism.”22
Lutheran view: The Lutheran view of the two natures teaches that attributes of the
divine nature are extended to human nature with some important results.
20
Smith, Systematic Theology volume 1,2, 277.
21
Barackman, Practical Christian Theology, 152.
22
Ibid., 155.
34
Calvinistic view: Christ's two natures are united without any transfer of
attributes.23
Result of the Hypostatic Union
By incarnation, Christ could represent man and die as a man. He became Man and
hence could act as a human Priest. As God, His priesthood could be everlasting after the
order of Melchizedek, and He properly could be a Mediator between God and man.24
The Death of Christ
Jesus died on the Mount of Olives which is located west side of Jerusalem and as
the Bible gives after the Battle of Armageddon, He ascended to the Mount of Olives. His
feet will stand on the Mount of Olives in triumph (Heb. 13:11-12, Act. 1:11-12).25
The Fact of The Death of Christ
Types and Symbols
The Coats of Skin: The coverings of the skin appear to carry some symbolism.
The fact that God killed the animals signifies the initiation of blood sacrifice as the
medium of approach to God. The animals speak of substitution and Abel’s Lamb (Gen.
3:21; 4:4).
The Brazen Serpent: The bronze serpent was a symbol of an impotent snake,
hardened and unable to inflict harm because of God’s power. (Num. 21, John 3:14-15).
The Passover Lamb: Exodus 12 in John 1:29. The Seed of the Woman (Gen.
3:15). The Suffering Servant in Isaiah 52-53, The Cut-Off Messiah in Daniel 9:24-26.
The Necessity of The Death of Christ
23
Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, 231.
24
Ibid., 232.
25
David Hocking, Christology: The Doctrine of Jesus Christ (n. p: The Blue Letter Bible;
www.blueletterbible.org, n.d.,), 4.
35
Jesus expressed a compelling Need to Go to the Cross (Matt. 16:21). This
Necessity was Voluntarily Self-Imposed (Joh. 10:14-18). To Fulfill His Eternal Purpose
(Joh. 12:27) To Be Obedient to the Will of the Father (Matt. 26:38-39). To Fulfill
Prophecy (Matt. 26:54). To Share His Own Eternal Life with Men (Joh. 12:20-24).26
The Resurrection of Christ
The first state of exaltation of Christ was his resurrection from the dead. The
resurrection was not merely a re-union of Jesus soul and body but he was called “the
first-fruits of them that slept. Resurrection means death’s reversal by “new bodily life,”
Various Theories on Resurrection
The Thief Theory: This theory suggests that the disciples stole the body of Jesus
and declared that he had risen. This is the story that the guards were paid to circulate.
The Swoon Theory: This theory suggests that Jesus did not die, but had only
fainted. This theory has so many difficulties that it cannot be taken seriously.
The Vision/Hallucination Theory: There are two variations of this theory. First, the
disciples had subjective visions of Christ since they thought about him so much, and
became convinced that he was raised. The second form of the theory is that God
presented some objective vision for them to see.
The Mythical Theory: This view suggests that the idea of a resurrection was part
of the ancient culture, as found in various myths.27
Necessity of Resurrection of Christ
The resurrection determines the validity of the Christian faith (1 Cor. 15:17). It
was the guarantee of the Father’s acceptance of the Son’s work (Ps. 16:10). It was
essential in the program of God. Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit as a Helper for
26
McCune, Systematic Theology Volume II, 150.
27
Smith, Systematic Theology volume 1,2, 325.
36
the disciples (John 16:7), but the Holy Spirit could only come to them if Christ would
depart. It fulfilled the prophecies concerning His resurrection (Ps. 16:10).28
Proof of The Resurrection of Christ
Many proofs give the Bible like the empty tomb. The shape of the linen
wrappings (Joh. 20:7, 11:44). The transformed disciples. The disciples knew Christ had
died and were sceptical at first concerning His resurrection, but when they saw Him, they
were completely changed, the Peter of Acts 2 is quite different from the Peter of John 19.
Observance of the first day of the week (John 20:26; Acts 20:7).29
Ascension of Christ
The Ascension of Christ is an event that took place in the life of our risen Lord in
which He departed visibly from his disciples into heaven. This event is recorded in Mark
16:19, Luke 25:51, and Acts 1:9-11. It assures us of a free and confident access into the
presence of God (Heb. 4:14-16).30
The Fact of The Ascension
Christ anticipated (Joh. 14:28-29), reported (Mk. 16:19-20) and confirmed to the
Christians that He is standing at God’s right hand (Act. 7:55-56).
The result of Ascension
His Ascension confirmed Christ's truthfulness (Matthew 26:63-64). It Gives
Believers an Advocate with God (Hebrews 9:24). It Gives Believers Access to God
(Hebrews 4:14-16). It Guarantees an Enlarged Ministry for Believers (John 14:12). It
Guarantees an Entrance into Heaven for Believers (Hebrews 6:19, 20).31
28
Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, 237.
29
Ibid., 237.
30
William Evans, The Great Doctrines of the Bible (Chicago: Moody Press, 1973), 96.
31
Evans, The Great Doctrines of the Bible, 189.
37
The Offices of Christ
Christ as a Prophet
No prophet has completely revealed the will of the Father except Jesus Christ.
When Christ came, He completely revealed the Father to the people; He explained the
Father to the people (John 1:18).
Christ as a Priest
Jesus exercised the priestly functions during His first advent. He taught about God
(Matt. 9:35), Gave himself for sins (Matt. 20:28), and prayed for his people (Jn. 17:9-24).
Christ as a King
It is predicted before his birth (Isa. 9:6-7). When he came, he fulfilled the
requirements of that promised king but his people rejected his claims. It resulted in the
delaying of the fulfilment of the promised kingdom, yet it will be fulfilled.32
Ministry of Christ
Present Ministry of Christ
He is building His Church 1 Corinthians 12:13 indicates the Holy Spirit is
forming the church, the body of Christ; Christ as the head of the church is guiding and
controlling it through the Word of God (Eph. 5:26).33
Future Ministry of Christ
32
Ryrie, A Survey of Bible Doctrine, 62.
33
Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, 250.
38
Believers will be judged by Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:11- 15; 2
Cor. 5:10) after the Rapture of the church. Unbelievers will be judged at the Great White
Throne after the millennial kingdom (Rev. 20:11–15). They will be rewarded for their
deeds by being cast into the lake of fire.
When He returns, He will take the reins of government and rule the nations of this
world as a benevolent dictator (Rev. 19:15). He will show Himself to be King of kings
and Lord of lords in the same arena where man’s rebellion against God took place.34
Conclusion
Christology serves as a cornerstone of Christian theology, providing weighty
insights into the person and work of Jesus Christ by examining the dual nature of Christ.
Christology not only deepens the understanding of Jesus' role in the divine plan but also
enriches the spiritual life of believers, fostering a closer relationship with Christ. Jesus'
incarnation which traced His earthly life, death and the miraculous resurrection of Jesus
Christ, gives assurance to Christians’ beliefs. Most importantly Christ displays the role of
the Father and how much He cares for mankind. One must understand that Christ is fully
a human (Matt. 1:25) and fully divine who has His eternal existence (John 1:1-5), the
reason for manifesting Himself into human form was for man's redemption from sin to
reconcile His created beings to Him.
It is mended to believe Jesus if the person has a conscience of God because Christ
displayed great humility towards human relationships there is no distinction made by
Christ but chose to live with all. Denying Christology will defunction the concept of
human relationship with God. If one denies Jesus’ existence then one will be involved in
pantheism, polytheism or Deism even though he may not declare his faith, which causes
the absence of a mediator, if it is then humans will be the central point, not God. Jesus
must be the centre point of his faith to comprehend God's existence.
34
Ryrie, Basic Theology, 373.
