3. Christology
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and revealing God’s nature. His divine attributes, actions, and titles like “Son of God” and “Immanuel” emphasize His deity and mission to restore humanity.
Introduction: Who Is Jesus Christ?
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus asked His disciples two profound questions:
“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
“Who do you say I am?” (Mt. 16:13-16)
Responses to the First Question:
Some view Jesus as a prophet.
Others see Him as a great teacher.
Still others regard Him as a moral man with an exemplary life.
Significance of the Second Question:
Determines eternal destiny (Jn. 3:36).
Shapes the quality and fruitfulness of life here and now (Jn. 10:10; Col. 3:3-4; Gal. 2:20).
The Bible proclaims Jesus as God in the flesh (Jn. 14:6), calling all to a right relationship with God through Him.
The Importance of Studying Christology
Studying Christology reveals:
• Who God is (Phil. 2:5-11; Jn. 1:18).
• What God intends for humanity (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Cor. 15:45-49).
This study focuses on the biblical teaching about Jesus Christ.
Key Christological Texts
These passages are central to understanding Jesus and His mission:
• Jn. 1:1-18
• Rom. 5:12-20
• Eph. 1:3-10
• Phil. 2:5-11
• Col. 1:15-22; 2:9-15
• Heb. 1:1-9
A. The Deity of Jesus Christ
1. His Pre-Existence
Jesus existed before His incarnation:
• Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 1:30; 6:38; 17:5
2. His Eternality
Jesus is eternal, a characteristic unique to God:
• Isa. 9:6-7; Jn. 8:58; Heb. 13:8; Rev. 1:4-8; 22:12-13
3. His Divine Nature
• Jesus and the Father are one (Jn. 10:30).
• Jesus embodies the fullness of the divine nature (Phil. 2:6; Col. 1:15; 2:9; Heb. 1:3).
• Jesus revealed God to humanity (Jn. 1:14, 18; 14:9-11; Heb. 1:2).
• Jesus is part of the Trinity (Mt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14).
Divine Attributes of Jesus
• Omnipotence: Calmed the storm (Lk. 8:22-25).
• Omniscience: Knew what was in man (Jn. 2:24-25).
• Omnipresence: His power transcended space (Jn. 1:48-49; Mt. 8:5-13).
• Immutability: Never changes (Heb. 13:8).
• Life: Inherently possesses life (Jn. 5:26).
Acts Only God Can Do
• Walked on water (Mk. 6:47-51).
• Healed the blind (Jn. 9:1-7).
• Forgave sins (Mt. 9:1-7).
• Raised the dead (Lk. 7:11-15).
• Involved in creation (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16-17).
4. His Names and Titles
Each name and title emphasizes His deity:
• Jesus: The Lord is salvation (Mt. 1:21).
• Immanuel: God with us (Mt. 1:23).
• Christ: Anointed One (Mt. 11:1-6; 16:16).
• Yahweh: The “I AM” of the Old Testament (Jn. 8:58).
• Son of God: Eternal relationship with the Father (Jn. 3:16-17; Gal. 4:4).
• Son of Man: Real and perfect man (Dan. 7:13-14; Mk. 10:45).
• Son of David: Heir to David’s throne (Lk. 1:26-33; Mt. 21:9-11).
5. His Designations
• “One and Only” Son: Unique relationship with the Father (Jn. 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 Jn. 4:9).
• “Firstborn”: Pre-eminent position as God’s chosen one (Col. 1:15, 18; Rom. 8:29).
6. His Pre-Incarnate Appearances
Jesus appeared in the Old Testament as the “Angel of Jehovah”:
• Gen. 16:7-13: Appeared to Hagar.
• Gen. 22:1-19: Provided a substitute sacrifice for Isaac.
• Ex. 3:1-4: Appeared in the burning bush.
• Judg. 6:11-24: Called Gideon.
7. His Prefiguring in the Old Testament
Old Testament events foreshadow Christ:
• First Adam → Second Adam (Rom. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:45-47).
• Melchizedek → Christ as High Priest (Gen. 14:18-24; Heb. 7:1-17).
• Passover Lamb → Christ as Our Passover (Ex. 12:12-13; 1 Cor. 5:7).
• Bronze Snake → Christ as Savior (Num. 21:5-9; Jn. 3:14-16).
8. His Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
Jesus fulfilled over 40 Messianic prophecies:
His Birth
• Mic. 5:2 → Mt. 2:5-6: Birthplace.
• Isa. 7:14 → Lk. 1:26-38: Virgin birth.
His Ministry
• Isa. 53:4-7 → 1 Pet. 2:24-25: Died for sins.
• Ps. 22:16-18 → Jn. 19:20: Crucifixion.
• Ps. 16:9-11 → Mt. 28:2-8: Resurrection.
Assignment
What are the implications if Jesus is not really God?
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