3. Jesus Christ – Christology
Introduction: Who Is Jesus Christ?
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus asked His disciples two questions that continue to resonate today:
1. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
2. “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:13-16)
Many have attempted to answer 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.
However, the second question is far more significant. Each individual’s response determines:
• Eternal destiny (John 3:36).
• The quality and fruitfulness of life here and now (John 10:10; Colossians 3:3-4; Galatians 2:20).
The central theological issue remains: Who is Jesus Christ?
The Bible proclaims Him as God in the flesh (John 14:6), calling everyone to come into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The Importance of Studying Christology
Studying the Doctrine of Christ reveals:
• Who God is (Philippians 2:5-11; John 1:18).
• What God intends for humanity (1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49).
This study focuses on what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ.
Key Christological Texts
The following passages are central to understanding who Jesus is and what He came to do:
• John 1:1-18
• Romans 5:12-20
• Ephesians 1:3-10
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Colossians 1:15-22; 2:9-15
• Hebrews 1:1-9
A. The Deity of Jesus Christ
It is critical to demonstrate from Scripture that Jesus is God.
1. His Pre-Existence
Jesus existed before His incarnation:
• John 1:1-2, 14
• John 1:30
• John 6:38
• John 17:5
2. His Eternality
Jesus is eternal, a characteristic unique to God:
• Isaiah 9:6-7
• John 8:58
• Hebrews 13:8
• Revelation 1:4-8; 22:12-13
3. His Divine Nature
• Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30).
• Jesus embodies all the divine nature (Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; Hebrews 1:3).
• Jesus revealed God’s character to humanity (John 1:14, 18; John 14:9-11; Hebrews 1:2).
• Jesus is part of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Divine Attributes
Jesus exhibited characteristics belonging only to God:
• Omnipotence: Calmed the storm (Luke 8:22-25).
• Omniscience: Knew what was in man (John 2:24-25).
• Omnipresence: His power transcended space (John 1:48-49; Matthew 8:5-13).
• Immutability: Never changes (Hebrews 13:8).
• Life: Inherently possesses life (John 5:26).
Acts Only God Can Do
• Walked on water (Mark 6:47-51).
• Healed the blind (John 9:1-7).
• Forgave sins (Matthew 9:1-7).
• Raised the dead (Luke 7:11-15).
• Involved in creation (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17).
4. His Names and Titles
Each name and title of Jesus points to His deity:
• Jesus: The Lord is salvation (Matthew 1:21).
• Immanuel: God with us (Matthew 1:23).
• Christ: Anointed one (Matthew 11:1-6; 16:16).
• Yahweh: The “I AM” of the Old Testament (John 8:58).
• Son of God: Eternal relationship with the Father (John 3:16-17; Galatians 4:4).
• Son of Man: Real and perfect man (Daniel 7:13-14; Mark 10:45).
• Son of David: Rightful heir to David’s throne (Luke 1:26-33; Matthew 21:9-11).
5. His Designations
• “One and Only” Son: Unique relationship with the Father (John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9).
• “Firstborn”: Pre-eminent position as God’s chosen one (Colossians 1:15, 18; Romans 8:29).
6. His Pre-Incarnate Appearances
In the Old Testament, Christ appeared as the “Angel of Jehovah”:
• Genesis 16:7-13: Appeared to Hagar.
• Genesis 22:1-19: Provided a substitute sacrifice for Isaac.
• Exodus 3:1-4: Appeared in the burning bush.
• Judges 6:11-24: Called Gideon.
7. His Prefiguring in the Old Testament
Christ is revealed and typified in Old Testament events:
• First Adam → Second Adam: (Romans 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 15:45-47).
• Melchizedek → Christ as High Priest: (Genesis 14:18-24; Hebrews 7:1-17).
• Passover Lamb → Christ as Our Passover: (Exodus 12:12-13; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
• Bronze Snake → Christ as Savior: (Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:14-16).
8. His Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
Jesus fulfilled 40+ Messianic prophecies, such as:
His Birth
• Micah 5:2 → Matthew 2:5-6: Birthplace.
• Isaiah 7:14 → Luke 1:26-38: Virgin birth.
His Ministry
• Isaiah 53:4-7 → 1 Peter 2:24-25: Died for sins.
• Psalm 22:16-18 → John 19:20: Crucifixion.
• Psalm 16:9-11 → Matthew 28:2-8: Resurrection.
Assignment
What are the implications if Jesus is not really God?
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