BJU Doctrines I: Unit 3 - Christology

1. Jesus pre-existed His birth, or no eternal existence of the Trinity is possible 

2. Jesus is eternal or He isn’t God

Know the two main points concerning Christ preincarnate. 

1. Jesus is full deity 

2. Either Jesus’ claims were/are true or He was/is a: Liar and/or Lunatic

Know the two statements that describe the nature of Christ. 

1. It reveals His nature as full deity 

1. “offspring of” 

2. Barnabus: “son of encouragement” 

3. “Sons of the prophets” 

4. Not “offspring of” but “having the characteristics of” 

What does “Son of God” show about Jesus? 

1. Jesus’ names reveal His nature 

1. John 8:58 - “Before Abraham was, I AM” - Yahweh (LORD) 

2. John 20:28 - “My Lord and my God” - Not swearing, but a declaration of who Christ was. 

How does John 8:58 and 20:28 support the deity of Jesus? 

1. Christ is pre-existent 

2. Christ is distinct from God the Father 

3. Christ is God – He possesses the very nature, the qualities, of God 

4. Christ was involved in creation 

5. Christ was God in flesh 

6. Christ is a revelation of God 

What does John 1 teach about Jesus? 

1. “...and the word (subject) was God (pred. Noun) 

2. Such a construction emphasizes the quality of the object rather than the identity. In order words, Jesus has the characteristics or qualities of God. 

Know the issue with the article in John 1:1 (shows qualities)  

“... the church of God which he purchased with is own blood.” The pronouns “he” and “his” refer to one person only, Jesus, but calls him God. Both Paul and Luke view Jesus as God. 

Know how Acts 20:28 shows the deity of Christ 

1. He had a human body 

2. He had a human spirit 

3. He exhibited infirmities of a human being 

4. He was called by human names 

What evidence supports the humanity of Jesus? 

1. He was called by human names over 80x 

1. Characteristics of a man 

2. Used most often in Luke 

3. Used in Dan. 7:13 as a prophesy of the Messiah 

What is the significance of “Son of Man”? 

The two natures were united without mixture, without change, without division (natures) and without separation (person). 

Know the definition of the two natures existing in union 

The two natures exist in one person (or the God-Man) 

What is theanthropic? 

1. The human nature was added to the preexisting divine nature 

2. This addition did not alter, mix, diminish, or dilute either of the natures 

3. The two natures exist in one Person 

4. Theanthropic is true of His person but not His natures (He is the theanthropic person, not theanthropic natures) 

5. The union included human and divine qualities and acts to the person 

6. His actions are ascribed to the entire person, not just to the natures 

7. This union insures the constant presence of both deity and humanity (Jesus is 100% true God, 100% pure man.) 

8. Therefore, similar to the Trinity, Jesus has two natures existing in one person. Jesus remains a divine/human uni-personality. 

Be able to identify the explanations of the two natures in union. 

1. Prophet – speaking to men in God’s behalf 

2. Priest – speaking to God in man’s behalf 

3. King – ruling God’s people – executive, judicial, economic, and military powers 

Know the three offices of Jesus. 

Jesus became flesh and “dwelt among us” so that He could associate with men and to show us God. 

What two purposes were fulfilled in the incarnation? 

1. Humanity - “Child is born” 

2. Deity -- “Son is given” 

3. Purpose – rule -- “government upon His shoulder” 

4. Character – wonderful, counselor, mighty God, Father of everlastingness, and prince that brings peace 

What does Is. 9:6 teach? 

1. Immanuel 

1. Humanity -- “bear a Son” 

2. Deity -- “Immanuel” [“God with us”] 

What does Is. 7:14 teach concerning the incarnation and the virgin birth? 

1. Matthew 1:16 - “Of Whom” - Feminine singular – Mary, not Joseph and Mary 

2. Gal. 4:4 - “Born of a woman” - there is nothing significant about being born of a woman, unless the person is born exclusively of a woman (without a man). Notice also the implications of deity (sent forth His Son). 

3. Genealogies – Both Matthew and Luke are careful to identify Mary as the sole blood parent of Jesus, even though at times they will identify Joseph as the legal father. 

What evidences exist for the virgin birth (from Matthew)? 

1. To reveal God – John 1:18; 14:7-11 

2. To provide an example for our lives - 1 Peter 2:21; I John 2:26 

3. To provide an effective atonement for sin – Heb. 10:1-10 

4. To fulfill the covenant with David – Lk. 1:31-33 

5. To destroy the works of Satan - I John 3:8 

6. To be able to be a sympathetic high priest – Heb. 4:14-16 

7. To be able to be a qualified judge – John 5:22, 27 

8. To confirm God’s promises - Gen. 3:15; Rom. 15:8-12 

9. To prepare for the second coming – Heb. 9:28 

Be able to identify the purposes of the incarnation. 

1. Christ was in the very form of God - “likeness” (”being in the form of God”) 

2. Christ did not have to grasp after equality with God 

3. Christ emptied Himself 

1. - He gave up the independent exercise of His attributes – subject to the will of the Father and the Spirit 

2. - He gave up the status connected with being God 

How did Christ empty Himself? 

1. “Form” - exact likeness 

2. “Being” - present active participle emphasizes constant state 

What does the “form of God” teach? 

1. Grasp after - shows a desire to possess that which I do not have 

2. Christ already possessed equality with God 

 What does “grasp after equality” mean? 

1. Willing to take on flesh to become like men 

2. Willing to die even the death of the cross 

How did Jesus humble Himself? 

1. Peccability: Jesus never sinned but was capable of sin (“able not to sin”) 

2. Impeccability: Jesus never sinned and was incapable of sin (”not able to sin”) 

Know the difference between peccability and impeccability. 

1. Because man stands condemned (John 3:18) 

2. Because man is incapable to earn salvation (Titus 3:5) 

3. Because only Jesus could suffer and die in the place of sinners (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) 

4. Propitiation: an atoning sacrifice 

1. - To appease, turn away wrath 

Why did Jesus need to suffer? 

1. Jesus was the God-Man (Matt. 1:21) 

2. Jesus fulfilled the requirements for the mediator of the Gospel (Rom. 1:1-4) 

What qualified Jesus to die? 

1. Huper 

2. anti 

What Greek prepositions depict the nature of the atonement? 

1. The gospel consists of the good news concerning: 

1. - Christ died for our sins 

2. - Christ rose again the third day 

What are the important components of the gospel (1 Cor. 15)? 

1. It relates to the exaltation of Christ (Phil. 2:9-11) 

2. It authenticates the deity of Christ (Matt. 20:19; 28:6) 

3. It guarantees our justification (Rom. 4:25) 

4. It is essential for the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:3-8) 

5. It gives us hope of resurrection (1 Cor. 15:13-19) 

Why is the resurrection important? 

The Swoon theory

The Vision theory

The Theft theory

The Wrong Tomb Theory

What are the false views of the resurrection? 

The Swoon theory: Christ didn’t really die but simply lapsed into a coma. 

1. Crucifixion was a method of execution not just torture 

2. Pierced side vs. broken legs 

3. Roman soldiers were trained to recognize death 

4. What about the stone and the armed guard? 

5. A recovering Jesus would not provide hope like a resurrected Jesus 

6. If true, we have not resurrection or atonement. 

7. What about the grave clothes and 75 lbs of spices (John 19:39) 

8. To faint on the cross would cause death 

9. Would Mary have recognized him as the gardener? 

What is the Swoon Theory and what is wrong with it?

Vision theory: The disciples thought they saw Jesus because of their emotional attachment to Him. 

1. Easily disproved: produce the body 

2. Visions or ghosts do not eat real food and cannot be touched 

3. There were 500+ witnesses who saw Him all at the same time. 

4. A vision does not create the kind of hope and change the disciples experienced. 

What is the Vision theory and what is wrong with it?

Theft theory: the disciples came and stole the body of Jesus as the guards slept 

1. The disciples were scared and scattered 

2. Untrained disciples overpower the guards if they weren't asleep? 

3. The disciples would have been arrested and executed. 

4. What about the seal on the tomb? 

5. What about the grave clothes neatly folded (Jn. 20:2-10)? 

6. How would this provide hope to the disciples? 

7. If true, we have a religion based upon a lie 

What is the theft theory and what is wrong with it?

Wrong Tomb Theory: The disciples merely went to the wrong tomb 

1. The women took note of where Jesus was buried (found in all Synoptics) 

2. The resurrection would be easily refuted -- produce the body 

3. The right tomb would be obvious -- seal and the guards 

4. What about the 500+ witnesses who saw Him? 

5. Why were the guards bribed? 

6. What about the grave clothes that Jesus left behind? 

What is the Wrong tomb theory and what is wrong with it?

The Lord’s appearances after the resurrection 

The effects of the resurrection: must have a cause 

1. The empty tomb 

2. The coming of the Holy Spirit 

3. The change in the Sabbath day 

4. The change in the disciples 

5. The Christian church 

6. The New Testament 

What are the evidences of the resurrection, including the various effects? 

It attests to Christ’s deity 

It assures the acceptance of Christ’s atonement 

It has made Christ our high priest 

It has provided for additional blessing 

1. Realization of Salvation 

2. Assurance of power 

3. Provision from God 

4. Assurance of resurrection 

5. Judgement 

6. The common kingdom 

What are the results of the resurrection? 

The ascension marked the end of Christ’s humiliation and His entrance into the state of exaltation. 

What was the purpose of the ascension? 

Exaltation 

1. Christ has gone to prepare a place for us 

2. Christ is not merely in heaven, but is spiritually present everywhere 

3. Christ has become our high priest 

4. Christ has given us His spirit 

What is Jesus doing now? 

1. He has become the head of the church 

2. He cleanses the body 

3. He gives gifts to the body for ministry 

4. He nourishes the body 

5. He represents us as our High Priest and Lawyer 

6. He is preparing a place for us 

7. He will raise the dead, reward His people, Judge unbelievers, and rule the world. 

What did the exaltation of Jesus allow Him to do and what is He doing now? 

He was claiming equality with the Father (He claimed deity and uniqueness in His “I AM” statements). 

According to Enns, what was Jesus claiming in John 10:30? 

1. Imperfect tense.  

2. In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

Enns (and classroom discussion) draws attention to what verb tense in John 1 with reference to Jesus’ divinity?  Know the passage also.  

To ensure that the Christ was to be sinless. 

According to Enns, what was the main purpose of the virgin birth of Jesus? 

1. Key Topic: Jesus (the Word) is God because He has always been with God and because He made everything. 

2. Jesus affirms the spiritual nature of God's existence to explain that any true worship of God must take into account who and what He is. Addressed the Jehovah’s Witnesses misinterpretation of the definite article preceding the Greek noun theos. 

Explanation of John 1:1-3

1. Key Topic: Jesus is God and is thus the Ruler and Creator of all that exists. 

2. Christ is exactly like God ("the image of the invisible God") and the ruler ("firstborn") over all that has been created. The term “firstborn” can designate a chronological order, but it can also designate one’s order of rank.   

Explanation of Col. 1:15-17

1. Key Topic: Christ humbled Himself to become man and has now returned to His exalted position. 

2. Is likely a very early Christian hymn. opens the topic of the incarnation and celebrates in each line a key aspect of Christ's ministry accomplished through His humanity.   

Explanation of 1 Tim. 3:16

1. Key Topic: Jesus became a human being to identify with mankind. 

2. his passage is relevant for the deity of the child who would be born, as his name literally means "God with us" (cf Matthew 1:23). The miraculous nature of his birth also points to His special position and role within God's plan for His creation. Some people claim that the Hebrew word almah should be translated “young woman” rather than “virgin,” but Matthew translates it with the Greek word parthenos, which unambiguously refers to a virgin (1:23). 

Explanation of Is. 7:14

1. Key Topic: Jesus became human so that He could die. 

2. The ultimate purpose of the incarnation was to make death (and the defeat of the devil) possible. False views of the purpose of the incarnation usually say something true about Christ and His ministry (He was an example, He came to reveal God to man, etc.). However, any view of the incarnation is deficient at best if it deemphasizes the fact that the primary purpose of the incarnation was for Christ to defeat death through suffering death Himself. 

Explanation of Heb. 2:14

1. Key Topic: Jesus died for man's sins. 

2. Christ's death was not merely to be a demonstration of God's love for us or to be an example of serving God and others no matter what the cost (although those ideas are certainly true). Any interpretation of Christ's death that does not relate it to our sins misses its key purpose. The words transgressions and iniquities and astray all point to the rebellious and lost state of man. The words borne, carried, stricken, afflicted, wounded, and bruised all describe the penalty for sin that Jesus bore in our place.   

Explanation of Is. 53:4-6

1. Key Topic: Jesus' humanity does not detract from His deity. 

2. Deity of Jesus is explicitly taught in two ways. First, the word "form" comes from the Greek word morphe, which means "the set of defining attributes." The statement that Jesus has the morphe of God claims that Jesus possesses the attributes that make God who He is. Second, the fact that Jesus did not regard equality with God something He had to grasp at indicates that equality with God was His inherently. One false theory, sometimes known as the kenosis ("to empty") theory, claims that during the incarnation Jesus emptied Himself of His divine attributes in order to become human. The key problem with this theory is that if Jesus emptied Himself of His divine attributes, then He would have ceased to be God. Since God's character is immutable, God cannot shed His own attributes. The best way to understand the emptying of Christ is that at the incarnation Jesus took on human (i.e. finite) attributes; this was “subtraction by humble addition.” 

Explanation of Phil. 2:6-8

1. Key Topic: Jesus' exaltation over all creation demonstrates His deity. 

2. Facts about the exaltation of Christ demand that He be regarded as God. First, unless Jesus is God, the declaration that "Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" contradicts God's statement that there is no Lord besides Himself (Is 42:8). Second, unless He is God, bowing down to Him redirects the worship and glory that belongs exclusively to God and bestows it on a creature; in the Old Testament, God declares that He will not give His glory to anyone else (Is 42:8; cf Rev 19:10). 

Explanation of Phil. 2:9-11

True

T/F Jesus Christ is our gracious Savior, faithful High Priest, sovereign Lord, and merciful King.