Topic 12 - The Deity of Christ

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The Importance of the Deity of Christ: “It lies at the heart of our faith; for our faith rests on Jesus’s actually being God in human flesh, and not simply an extraordinary human...” (Erickson, Millard J. “Introducing Christian Theology” 3 rd Edition; Grand Rapids MI: Baker academic, 2015, p.238) Note: It seems that the first line of attack on Christianity, and a prominent identifying feature of a cult, is their views on the deity of Christ I. The Biblical Approach to Christology A. The biblical narrative presents a picture that develops and has multiple sides and perspectives. We will consider these three perspectives: Christology from behind. Christology from below. Christology from above. “Some theologians use these frameworks in opposition to one another, often to present a one-sided picture : Christology from below as a "low Christology" (Jesus as just a man) or Christology from above as a "high Christology" (Jesus as really God). We, however, see these three perspectives as mutually reinforcing each other. They help tell the story of Jesus without being fixed, separable categories.” (Ben Blackwell & R. L. Hatchett. (2019). Engaging Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic. p 124) 1. Christology from behind – Old Testament Messianic Expectations. a. The idea of Christology does not start with Jesus and the New Testament. b. The term Christ is a Greek word that means "anointed" and is a translation of the Hebrew term Messiah. c. Today anointing is often metaphorical, but in the ancient world it literally referred to the practice of pouring oil on leaders' heads, setting them apart as ordained by God. Kings (1 Sam 10:1; 16:12-13; 1 Chron 29:22) and priests (Exod Topic 12 – The Deity of Christ The Deity of Christ Topic TWELVE – The Deity of Christ So, we will look at Jesus: 1. As ___________. 2. As ___________. 3. As the ______/______ 1
28:41; Lev 8:30), prophets were anointed too (1 Kgs 19:16; 1 Chron 16:22). These were all messianic. - that is, anointed. d. Many Jews continue to look forward to the coming of a messiah who will bring restoration. Christians in the New Testament see these expectations fulfilled in Jesus. 2. Christology from below – New Testament Messianic Fulfilment. e. The Four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. “The term gospel (Greek: euangelion) means "good news," and the center of that good news is evident from the beginning. Mark, likely the first of the four to be written, starts with "the beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1). Jesus being the "Messiah/Christ" is the good news. The association of Jesus with the kingly messianic ideas is evident in the Gospels.” f. Called the Messiah/Christ by the by his disciples (Mark 8:29), g. Even the gentiles understand his role as the messianic King of Daniel 7 when they write his charge over his cross as "Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews" at his crucifixion (Matt 27:37, Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38, John 19:19) 3. Christology from above – The Divine Son Becomes Incarnate. a. Through the narrative of the Bible, we progressively learn the breadth and depth of God's identity. b. In Christology from below, it is important that we see the resurrected and exalted Christ as no mere human he embodies the God of Israel. c. Narrative indicators about his divine identity (e.g., the Lord in Mark 1:1-3 or Immanuel, "God with us," in Matthew 1:23), d. Other strong indicators of his deity. (John 1:1-18; Phil 2:5-11; Col 1:15-23; Heb 1:1-4). e. John 1:14, "the Word became flesh"- he came in carne. The Incarnation. Topic 12 – The Deity of Christ 2
(Ben Blackwell & R. L. Hatchett. (2019). Engaging Theology. p 124-127) B. Biblical teachings: ( ortho doxy) 1. Jesus’ own, _____________________________ and truth claims What did Jesus believe and think about himself? a. Jesus’ power over nature; authority to _____________________ (Mk 2:5-7) b. His “I AM”s (Ex 3:14-15, Jn 8:48) c. His power over ____________ and _____________ (Jn 5:21 & 11:25) d. My, my! angels, kingdom (Matt 13:41) My _____________ & I are ________! (Jn 10:30) e. Presented himself co existent & co equal with God! (Jn 14:7-9) B. Apostolic witnesses of John, Paul, & writer to Hebrews 1. John ’ Cosmic Christ in the beginning (1:1-5) was the Logos; This is a simple “monotheism”, not modalistic monarchism! 2. Paul : express image of God, holds all things (Col. 1:15; 2:9), Judge of living/dead (2 Cor. 5:10), name above all (Phil. 2:5) 3. Hebrews -1:3: the Son superior to… exact representation of? One through whom all things were created (Psa. 45:6 = God ) Jesus un created; of same essence ( homousia ) as Father God C. The term “Lord” ascribed to him. A term that can be used without Christological connotations but in many it does reference deity. (Acts 2:20-21; Rom 10:13; I Pet 3:15) D. Evidence of the __________________________. 1. The fact of Jesus’s resurrection argues for his deity. 2. The resurrection must be understood in the context of the tradition at that time which would have seen resurrection as evidence of deity. 3. Significant that Jesus’s resurrection was argued for so shortly after his death. 4. The empty tomb and reliable testimonies to such. 5. The immediate and intense emergence of Christianity (Erickson, Millard J. “Introducing Christian Theology” 3 rd Edition; Grand Rapids MI: Baker academic, 2015, p.238-242 ( We will give further notes regarding the resurrection of Jesus as it is key to our faith) Topic 12 – The Deity of Christ 3
II. Historical Controversies on the Deity of Jesus Christ A. Historical Departures: (heresy) 1. Ebionism: Jesus a supernatural ‘man’; at birth or baptism Jewish monotheists: not preexistent; God present with 2. Arianism: Jesus is unique, transcendent but “first created ” Father “greater”; homoio similar not homo /same ousios B. Functional Christology : 1. A late 20 th century development 2. An emphasis on what Jesus did rather than what is. 3. Can the two be separated? (NO) House, H. Wayne. Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine . Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 1992. p.53 III. Implications of the Deity of Christ A. We can experientially “_____________” God in “knowing _______________”! B. God’s forgiving and redeeming Grace is ours “in Christ” C. Jesus, _________________ has reconciled believers back to God! D. Jesus, who was God, walked on earth E. It is appropriate to worship Jesus Christ. “Oh come let us adore - Jesus Christ, our Lord!” (Erickson, Millard J. “Introducing Christian Theology” 3 rd Edition; Grand Rapids MI: Baker academic, 2015, p.244 IV. The Deity of Jesus Derickson, Stanley L. “DERICKSON’S NOTES ON THEOLOGY,” n.d., pp.336-339. A. HIS ________________ PROVE HIS DEITY 1. The _______________: John 1:1 2______________________: Matthew 8:29; Luke 1:35; John 5:18; 19:7; 1 John 5:20. 3. ______________: Luke 2:11; Acts 10:36; Philippians 2:10,11. 4. Holy One: Mark 1:24 5. ______________: John 20:28 B. HIS ________________ PROVE HIS DEITY Topic 12 – The Deity of Christ 4
1. ________________: Colossians 1:16; John 1:3,10 2. Preservation: Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3 3. _____________________: Mark 2:5; Colossians 3:13 4. ______________________: John 14:14 5. _____________________: John 5:21 6. Judging: John 5:22; 5:27; Acts 10:42 7. _______________________ – (A complete lists can be found in most study Bibles) C. HIS ATTRIBUTES PROVE HIS DEITY 1. ___________________: a. He was before John. John 1:1 b. He was before Abraham. John 8:58 c. He was before creation. John 17:5,24 d. He was before birth. Micah 5:2; (see Hebrews 1:11; Isaiah 9:6; Rev 1:11) 2. Self-Existence: 3. ____________________: Hebrews 13:8; Topic 12 – The Deity of Christ 5
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