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CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

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Page 1: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRISTOLOGY

Coastland University

Page 2: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY

Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical

and Creedal Approach Postulates that God,

the Second Person, took unto himself true humanity

Does not rule out Christology from below

Christology from Below Favorite method of

modern theologians Emphasizes humanity

of Christ and his complete openness to God

Does not rule out “from above” but infrequently goes there

Page 3: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

ORTHODOX CHRISTOLOGY

Christ is God even as the Father is God

Christ is Human even as we are, excepting for sin

Christ is truly one person God, the SON, took unto himself

a true human nature and became the God-Man

Page 4: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

Word Connotations – Sin Old Testament Hebrew

Ht – missing the mark Hattat – deviation from a norm Pesha – breach of relationship, revolt

against authority Wh – twisting Avon – guilt from deliberate

wrongdoing Segagah - straying Resa - wickedness

Page 5: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

Word Connotations – Sin New Testament Greek

Hamartia – miss the mark Paraptouma – error in measurement -

measure Parabeasis – beyond the norm, outside

the bounds Asebai – ungodliness Anomia – lawless Adikea – unrighteousness, typically

against a neighbor.

Page 6: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Predicament of Sin Who can restore creation from its

brokenness?

What possibilities exist.

Page 7: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

Luke 19:10 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation

has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 8: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

A Savior comes to Earth Galatians 4:4 “In the fullness of the time

came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

• The New American Standard Bible, (La Habra, California: The Lockman Foundation) 1977.

• Politically• Culturally• Religiously

Page 9: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Purpose of His Coming“to give eternal life” John 3:16 “For God so loved the

world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 10: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Purpose of His Coming“to give His life” Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of

Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 11: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Purpose of His coming“to reveal the Father” John 14:9 “Anyone who has seen me has

seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.”

John 3:34 “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 12: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Purpose of His coming“to take our sin” I Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our

sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 13: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Purpose of His coming“to be an example” I Peter 2:21 “To this you were called,

because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example”

John 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 14: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Purpose of His coming“to reconcile the world” II Corinthians 5:18, 19 “All this is from

God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 15: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

His birth – A Virgin birth Luke 1:35 “The angel answered, “The

Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 16: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

His birth – An incarnation John 1:1-4 “In the beginning was the

Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”

Colossians 2:9 “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 17: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

His birth – Characterized by Humility The Circumstances – Luke 2:8-14 2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace

of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

Hebrew 2:14 “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 18: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

His Natures - Divine“to accomplish reconciliation”

Colossians 2:9 “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form”

John 1:1-4 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 19: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

His Natures – Human“to enable Jesus to represent us” Luke 24:39 “Look at my hands and

my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

Hebrews 2:14 “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 20: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

Some of His Names - Jesus – Yeshau – Yahweh is our salvation Savior – Matthew 1:21 Messiah – “anointed one” Teacher - Mk. 4:38; 9:17, 38; 10:17 Master - Lord Son of David Son of Man

Jesus most commonly used self referent.

Page 21: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

Jesus office Prophet – Luke 4:18,19 cf. Isaiah

62:1,2

Priest – Hebrews 3:1; 4:14, John 1:29

King – Luke 1:32,32; Isaiah 9:7; Ephesians 1:22; Matthew 28:18

Page 22: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

Luke 4:18,19 quoting Isaiah 61:1,2

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent

me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 23: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

“Doing the Father’s will” John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is

to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 24: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Saving Work of Christ Humiliation of Christ – His Experience

Leaving heavenly Glory - Philippians 2:6,7 Suffering

• In His life – His own reject Him – John 1:11• Forsaken by His disciples – Judas, Peter• Condemned and sentenced by man• Silently bears reproach.

Death – the Cross – will to die – John 10:17,18 The grave

Page 25: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Saving Work of Christ His Death – Its meaning

The curse of sin – Romans 6:23 Christ took the curse upon himself – John

1:29, Mark 10:45, Gal. 3:13, I Peter 2:24, Col 1:19.

The Great High priest• The Offerer - Galatians 4:14• The Offering – Hebrews 9:28

Page 26: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Saving Work of Christ His Resurrection – its meaning

The Seal of His work – Philippians 2:8,9 Defeated death – Acts 2:24, I Cor. 15:20 Defeated Satan – Ephesians 1:22; 4:8 The First – I Corinthians 15:20

Page 27: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Saving Work of Christ - Its significance for us

We are now at peace with God Romans 5:9-11 “Since we have now been

justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 28: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Saving Work of Christ - Its significance for us We are free from the curse of the

Law Galatians 3:13 “Christ redeemed us

from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us”

Romans 4:25 “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

• (We are justified)• The New International Version, (Grand

Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 29: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Saving Work of Christ - Its significance for us Our view of life has changed

Colossians 3:1-2+ “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 30: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Saving Work of Christ - Its significance for us

The basis for our Hope 2 Cor. 4:14 “because we know that the one

who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.”

I Peter 1:3 “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 31: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Ascended Lord John 14:2 “I am going there to

prepare a place for you.” John 17:24 “Father, I want those you

have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 32: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

The Ascended Lord - His ongoing work

John 15:26 “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”

Romans 8:34 “Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us”

Ephesians 1:22 “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 33: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

Revelation 1:17,18 “Do not be afraid. I am the First and

the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

• The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Page 34: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRIST IS GOD

Old Testament Psalm 2:6-12, “You are my son” Psalm 45:6-7, “Your throne, O God” Psalm 110:1ff, “The LORD says to my Lord” Isaiah 9:6, “The Mighty God” Jeremiah 23:6, “The LORD our Righteousness” Micah 5:2, “from everlasting” Malachi 3:1, “the Lord will come to his temple”

Page 35: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRIST IS GOD

New Testament: Matthew Matthew 9:6, forgives sins Matthew 11:7, complete knowledge of the

Father Matthew 14:33, receives worship Matthew 16:16, “Son of God” Matthew 28:18, “All authority” Matthew 28:19, baptismal formula Matthew 7:21, 10:32-3, 11:25-7, “My Father”

Page 36: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRIST IS GOD

New Testament: John John 1:1, “Word was God” John 2:24 “knew what was in man” John 5:18 “making himself equal with

God” John 11:1-14, Raising Lazarus from the

dead John 20:28, “My Lord and My God” I John 1:3; 2:23; 4:14-5; 5:5, 10-13, 20

Page 37: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRIST IS GOD

New Testament: Other Texts Romans 9:5, “God, over all, blessed” Philippians 2:6, “existed in the form of God” Colossians 2:9, “in him all fullness dwells” Titus 2:13, “the great God and our Savior” Hebrews 1:3, “exact representation of his

nature” Hebrews 1:8, “Your throne, O God” Revelation 19:16, “King of Kings, Lord of Lords”

Page 38: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRIST IS HUMAN

Genesis 3:15, Seed of the Woman Genesis 49:8-10, Tribe of Judah II Samuel 7, Psalm 89, Family of

David Isaiah 7:14, born of a virgin Isaiah 53, to suffer and die

Page 39: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRIST IS HUMAN

Matthew 1, Luke 2, Galatians 4:4, born

Luke 2:52, grew in wisdom and stature

Hebrews 2:14, had flesh and blood Luke 24:39, had flesh and bone Matthew 24:36, ignorant of the day

of judgment

Page 40: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

DEFINITION OF CHALCEDON - Hypostasis

Inconfusedly Unchangeably Indivisibly

Inseparably

Page 41: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

Hypostatic Union

A theological term used with reference to the Incarnation to express the revealed truth that in Christ one person subsists in two natures, the Divine and the human. Hypostasis means, literally, that which lies beneath as basis or foundation. Hence it came to be used by the Greek philosophers to denote reality as distinguished from appearances (Aristotle, "Mund.", IV, 21). It occurs also in St. Paul's Epistles (II Cor., ix, 4; xi, 17; Heb., i, 3:iii, 14), but not in the sense of person. Previous to the Council of Nicæa (325) hypostasis was synonymous with ousia, and even St. Augustine (De Trin., V, 8) avers that he sees no difference between them. The distinction in fact was brought about gradually in the course of the controversies to which the Christological heresies gave rise, and was definitively established by the Council of Chalcedon (451), which declared that in Christ the two natures, each retaining its own properties, are united in one subsistence and one person (eis en prosopon kai mian hpostasin) (Denzinger, ed. Bannwart, 148). They are not joined in a moral or accidental union (Nestorius), nor commingled (Eutyches), and nevertheless they are substantially united.

Page 42: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

KEY TERMS

One God Essence (Ousia)

Father-Hypostasis, Persona

Son- Hypostasis, Persona

Holy Spirit- Hypostasis, Persona

Divine Ousia,Nature

HumanOusia,Nature

Page 43: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

HUMILIATION

He humbled himself, see Phil. 2:7, 8: Kenosis “He laid aside the divine majesty, the majesty of the sovereign Ruler of the universe, and assumed human nature in the form of a servant.” Berkhof, ST, 332.

Page 44: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

HUMILIATION

Incarnation (Gal. 4:4, Isa. 9:6, Heb/ 2:14, Phil. 2:7)

Made under the Law (Gal. 4;4, John 6:38, Heb. 5:8, Phil. 2:8)

Sufferings and Death (Isa. 53) Wrath of God (II Cor. 5:21, Isa. 53:12, Ps.

40:12, Matt. 27:46) Death and Burial The descent into hell 

Page 45: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

EXALTATION Resurrection: John 2:19-21;10:18, 11:25; Acts 2:24, 32;

3:26, 5:30; Rom.6:4; I Cor. 15:20; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5 Ascension: Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-53; John 6:62;

14:2,12; 16:5, 10, 17, 28; 17:5; 20:17; Acts 1:6-11; Eph. 1:20; 4:8-10; I Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:4; 4:14; 9:24

Session at the Right Hand of God: Matt. 26:64; Acts 2:33-36; 5:31; Eph.1:20-22; Heb. 10:12; I Peter 3:22; Rev. 3:21; 22:1; Rom. 14:9; I Cor. 15:24-28; Heb. 2:7,8; I John 2:1

Judging the World at the Last Day: John 5:22,27; Acts 10:42,17:31; Matt. 19:28; 25:31-34; Luke 3:17; Rom. 2:16; 14:9; I Cor. 3:13-15; II Cor. 5:10; II Tim. 4:1; James 5:9

Page 46: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRISTOLOGICAL ERRORS

NO HUMAN SPIRIT

NOT TRULY GOD

Page 47: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRISTOLOGICAL ERRORS

TWO PERSONS

NO HUMAN SPIRIT

Page 48: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

CHRISTOLOGICAL ERRORS

ONE WILL

TWO PERSONS

Page 49: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

COUNCILS

Nicea, A.D. 325, condemned Arianism as heresy (homoousios)

Constantinople, A.D. 381, condemned Apollinarianism as heresy

Ephesus, A.D. 431, condemned Nestorianism as heresy

Chalcedon, A.D. 451, condemned Eutychianism as heresy

Page 50: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

DEFINITION OF CHALCEDON

We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach men to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, or a reasonable soul and body; consubstantial with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, according to the Manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one Subsistence not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten, God the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the prophets from the beginning have declared concerning him, and the Lord Jesus Christ himself has taught us, and the Creed of the holy Fathers has handed down to us.

Page 51: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

OFFICES OF CHRIST

WHAT ARE THE OFFICES OF CHRIST?

PROPHET, PRIEST, KING “Now it is to be noted that the title ‘Christ’ pertains to these three offices: for we know that under the law prophets as well as priests and kings were anointed with holy oil.” Calvin, ICR, II,15,2

Page 52: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

OFFICES OF CHRIST: PROPHET

The biblical idea of prophet is one who speaks on behalf of God: Ex. 4:15,16; 7:1, cf. Jer. 1:5,9. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, s.v. “Prophet.” This involves forth-telling

most definitely (2/3 of OT prophetic activity, per Walter Kaiser in above noted article)

May involve fore-telling (1/3 of OT prophetic activity)

ATTRIBUTED TO RUTILIO MANETTIChrist Disputing with the Elders, c. 1628-29

BJU Art Gallery

Page 53: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

OFFICES OF CHRIST: PROPHET The Messiah would be a prophet, Deut.

18:18,19; cf. Acts 3:22f Jesus was recognized as prophet, John

4:19,25,26; cf. John 1:21 As prophet, he definitively declares to us

the will of God, Heb. 1:1. See L.C. #43 Other important Scriptures: Isaiah 9:6; 11:2-

4; 61:1-3 (Luke 4:21); John 1:18; 3:34; I Peter 1:10,11.

Page 54: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

OFFICES OF CHRIST: PRIEST

As priest, he experiences our circumstances and redeems us from sin, offering himself a sacrifice for sins (Jesus is both sacrificer and sacrifice), Heb. 9:25,28; 10:5-14. See L.C. # 44

Other important Scriptures: Heb. 4:15-6; 5:8; 7:25; I John 2:1

Page 55: CHRISTOLOGY Coastland University. APPROACHES TO CHRISTOLOGY Christology from Above Historic, Ecumenical and Creedal Approach Postulates that God, the.

OFFICES OF CHRIST: PRIEST

Biblical idea of priest- one who intercedes to God on behalf of man: Hebrews 5:1-4; Deut. 18:5; Ex. 29:20; Joel 2:17; Lev. 10:9-11; Micah 3:11; Deut. 17:9-13

Melchizedek was a type of Christ: Gen 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4; Heb. 7 

Messiah would be a priest: Psalm 10:4; 24:7-10; Heb. 5:5,6; Isa. 40:10,11; Zech. 6:9-15

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OFFICES OF CHRIST: KING

The biblical idea of king is one who reigns and exercises sovereign dominion: Gen 3:15; 17:5; 22:16,17; 49:9,10;. 15:5,6; 19:5,6; I Peter 2:9; Rev. 1:5.

Messiah would be a King, Gen. 49:9,10; Psalm 89; Isa. 9:7

Judging as King, Sistine Chapel

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OFFICES OF CHRIST: KING As King, he rules over us and over

our enemies till all are brought into submission, I Cor. 15:24-28. See L.C. #45

Other important Scriptures: Matt. 28:18, “all authority is given to me in heaven and on earth.” Also, Acts 5:31; Rom. 8:28

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THE ATONEMENT: VIEWS

Classical Theory Associated with Gustav Aulen, Christus Victor Christ’s atonement is a victory over the hostile

forces arrayed against him• These are the “tyrants” which would bind man in sin• Christ breaks the power of evil that enslaves mankind• Aulen refers to Rom. 4:4, 7:9, 10:4; Gal.3:13; Col. 2:14 as

key texts for this formulation• Irenaeus (A.D. 175?) speaks of “Recapitulation” and

Athanasius (A.D. 296-373) calls Christ “our representative”

• Theory is not problematic in what it asserts. It is not, however, a complete explanation of redemption.

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THE ATONEMENT: VIEWS

Ransom to Satan Theory Theory originated by Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-

165) • Focused on the conquest of the devil in the work of

redemption, ransom• Elaborated further by Origen (A.D. 185-254), who also

propounded the deification of man • Based on the fact that Christ’s death is a ransom, and

that he delivered us from Satan• Theory assumes that Satan has some power or judicial

standing that is not consistent with the biblical description of his role and authority

• “Buying back” is central to the biblical notion of redemption.

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THE ATONEMENT: VIEWS

Commercial (Satisfaction) Theory Theory originated by Anselm (A.D. 1033-1109) in

an attempt to respond to Origen’s view• Introduced the word satisfactio into theological discussion• The theory is worked out in Anselm’s book, Cur Deus

Homo• According to Anselm, operating out of his feudal culture,

we owe God either obedience or death• Christ was obedient, but he also died; thus, he paid twice• He is, therefore, able to apply credit to our standing• This theory tends to neglect the teaching that Christ’s

active obedience is imputed to us also

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THE ATONEMENT: VIEWS

Example Theory (Martyr Theory) Theory proposed by Peter Abelard (A.D. 1079-1142)

• “It is evident that all this was done in order that he might show how great love he had for men, and so inflame them to greater love in return.” Epitome, 25

• View commonly held by Socinians and Unitarians• Subjective sinfulness the only barrier between God and man• God does not need to be reconciled; instead, man is in need of

reconciliation• Theory keys on the idea that God initiates reconciliation• Death of Christ influences us to turn from our sins• Problem: this theory takes an element of truth and expands it

to the whole truth. That man needs reconciliation is true- but not as important as fact that God needs to be reconciled

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THE ATONEMENT: VIEWS

Governmental Theory Theory was introduced by Hugo Grotius, a Dutch

lawyer, A.D. 1583-1645• Theory keyed on Isaiah 42:21 which speaks of God’s law• To forgive sinners without anything being done would

negatively affect God’s government• Therefore, God punished Christ to show he is serious

about sin• Christ is used as an example and the cross does not

constitute a full payment of sin. Instead, a relaxation of the penalty occurs

• The theory holds to idea of substitution, but not equitable substitution; it leads to questions about God’s justice

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THE ATONEMENT: VIEWS

Moral Influence Theory Proponents of this theory: Horace Bushnell (A.D. 1802-

1876), F.D.E.Schleiermacher (A.D. 1768-1834), and Albrecht Ritschl (A.D. 1822-1889)

• No principle in the divine nature propitiated by Christ’s work• Instead, the death of Christ displays God’s love for man• This shames men to turn from sin and repent• The purpose of the atonement was not to satisfy divine

justice, but to reveal divine love• Christ is not only an exemplar, but a power of righteousness

who has entered into human life and revealed God to us• The problem with this theory is that it takes an element of

truth and expands it to become the whole truth

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THE ATONEMENT

Vicarious, Substitutionary Atonement: Satisfaction Christ was the Second Adam

• He fulfilled the Covenant, Active Obedience (Rom 5:19)- positively keeping the law

• He atoned for Covenant-breaking, Passive Obedience (II Cor. 5:20, 21)- vicariously suffering the penalty of law-breaking

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THE ATONEMENT

“We must avoid the mistake of thinking that the active applies to the obedience of his life and the passive to the obedience of his final sufferings and death. The real use and purpose of the formula is to emphasize the two distinct aspects of our Lord’s vicarious obedience. The truth expressed rests upon the recognition that the law of God has both penal sanctions and positive demands. It demands not only the full discharge of its precepts but also the infliction of penalty for all infractions and shortcomings. It is this twofold demand of the law of God which is taken into account when we speak of the active and passive obedience of Christ. Christ as the vicar of his people came under the curse and condemnation due to sin and he also fulfilled the law of God in all its positive requirements. In other words, he took care of the guilt of sin and perfectly fulfilled the demands of righteousness. He perfectly met both the penal and the preceptive requirements of God’s law.” Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, 22-23 

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ATONEMENT

New Testament Language REDEMPTION

, (ransom)……Matt. 20:28, Mark 10:45; I Tim. 2:6; Heb. 9:15

, (redemption).….Luke 2:38; Rom. 3:24; 8:23; I Cor. 1:30; Eph. 1:7; 14; 4:30

, (redeemer)……Acts 7:35 ……Luke 24:21 (buy back from the slave

market of sin); Gal. 4:5; Titus 2:14 SACRIFICE

s, ……Heb. 9:26

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ATONEMENT

New Testament Language PROPITIATION

• ‘s,……I John 2:2• ‘,….Luke 18:13; Heb. 2:17 (be propitious, make

propitiation)• ‘,……Romans 3:25 (atoning sacrifice)

RECONCILIATION , … Rom 5:10; I Cor. 7:11, II Cor. 5:18-20

(reconcile) ,…………….Rom. 5:11; 11:15; II Cor. 5:19. He

humbled himself, see Phil. 2:7, 8: Kenosis “He laid aside the divine majesty, the majesty of the sovereign Ruler of the universe, and assumed human nature in the form of a servant.” Berkhof, ST, 332.

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PENAL SUBSTITUTION

The sufferings of Christ were not a substitute for the penalty of the law, but they are the penalty inflicted upon the substitute

It was not a pecuniary quid pro quo, but it was strictly a penal substitution

It was not [simply] an example of punishment It was not [simply] an exhibition of love or other

sentiment The guilt, or legal responsibility (not the depravity or

corruption) of our sin was imputed to him He suffered precisely the suffering that divine justice

demanded he suffer in our stead His sufferings were those of a divine person in a

human nature (A.A. Hodge, The Atonement)

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Emptying Mar 1:12Immediately the Spirit

impelled Him {to} {go} out into the wilderness.

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Hbr 4:15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as {we are, yet} without sin.

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Mat 26:39And He went a little beyond {them,} and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will."

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Mat 24:36"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.