Key Concepts in Christology and Jesus' Divinity

Adoptionism

Belief that Jesus was human but appointed by God as the Son of God through significant events (e.g., baptism, temptations, suffering on the cross).

Arianism

Early heresy treating Jesus as the supreme creature of God, denying his divine status. Important in the development of Christology in the fourth century.

Arius (250-336)

Central figure in the Christological controversy; declared a heretic by the Council of Nicea for teaching Jesus was created and subordinate to God the Father.

Chalcedonian Definition

Formal declaration stating Jesus has two natures: one human and one divine.

Christ

Greek term (Christos) referring to Messiah; indicates Jesus' special relationship with God in the New Testament.

Christology

Branch of theology that explores the identity of Jesus Christ, particularly the relationship between his human and divine natures.

Docetism

Heresy asserting that Jesus only appeared to have human attributes; Nicea and Chalcedon rejected this.

Homoousion

Greek term meaning 'of the same substance'; used to affirm Jesus's full divinity against Arian views.

Hypostatic Union

Term signifying the union of divine and human natures in one person of Jesus Christ.

Icons

Sacred images in Christianity conveying spiritual truths, described as 'THEOLOGY written in images and colour' and aids in worship.

Incarnation

Doctrine affirming that God became flesh in Jesus Christ.

Kingdom of God

Understanding of God's reign, viewed variably by Christians as an ultimate future reality or a present manifestation of justice and love.

Kyrios

Greek for 'Lord,' referring to both God and Jesus; significant in early Christian confessions.

Logos

Greek for 'word'; Jesus recognized as the Word of God highlighting the connection between divine and human nature.

Messiah

The promised deliverer; Christians recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of this expectation.

Resurrection

God's raising of Jesus from the dead, signaling the future resurrection of humanity; different from resuscitation.

Shame

Feeling of inadequacy contrasting with guilt; deviates from societal norms.

Theotokos

Title for Virgin Mary meaning 'God-bearer'; used in Eastern Christianity.

Word of God

Jesus as incarnate Word and the Bible as testament to that incarnation; various views on divine inspiration of Scripture.

Apostle's Creed - Article 2 Components

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, descended into hell, rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, he will come to judge the quick and the dead.

jesus' Claims to Divinity

Forgiving sins, 'I AM' statements, referring to himself as the 'Son of God,' promises of return, performing miracles.

I AM Statements

Examples include: Bread of Life, Light of the World, Good Shepherd, Way, Truth, Life, Resurrection and Life.

Son of God

Reflects Jesus' unique relationship with God.

Son of Man

Represents connection with humanity and eschatological figure in judgment.