Introduction: Who Is Jesus Christ?

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus asked His disciples two profound questions:

1. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

2. “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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