2012-3-13 06:56
APRIL, 1999
CHAPTER IVCHRISTOLOGY
I.THE PERSON OF CHRIST
Pre-existenceof Christ
Christexisted before his incarnation (John 1:14-15; 8:58), and even beforethe creation of God (Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:10; 1 Pet 1:20).
Deityof Christ
Christis God. The origin of Christ is from heaven (John 1:15; 3:13). The"begotten" in John 1:14 and 3:16 means "only-begotten"or "unique" more than "begotten." He involved inthe creation of God (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2, 10). Christexercised what only God can do or have: to forgive sin (Matt. 2:5),to judge the world (Mark 2:27-28), to have power over life and death(John 5:21), and to the sovereignty of Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28). Hisdisciple Thomas claimed that Jesus is God (John 20:28). He appliedthe title "son of God" in a unique way (John 10:30;14:7-9), and it was understood that he is equal with God (John 5:18;8:59). He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; Is. 9:6; Tit. 2:13). Herepresents God's person (Heb. 1:3).
Humanityof Christ
Christis a human, too (1 Tim. 2:5). He has a human body (Matt. 26:26; Mark14:22; Luke 22:19; Rom. 7:4; 1 Cor. 11:24). He was born (Matt. 1:16;Luke 1:14; Gal. 4:4), grew in wisdom and physically (Luke 2:52), hadphysical needs (hungry: Matt. 4:2; thirsty: John 19:28; tired: John4:6), had human emotions (cry: John 11:35; grieve: Mark 3:5;troubled: Matt. 26:37), was seen (1 John 1:1), and died (John 19:34).
HynostaticUnion
Theterm "hypostatic union" literally mean "the union ofessences." Christ has two nature, divine and human, in oneperson. The union of both natures perfectly fit together (Phil.2:6-7), and have no conflict (Luke 22:42). He is a God-man (John1:1-14; Phil. 2:7). Hence, Christ is God and man at the same time. Hehas divine nature so that he may live a sinless life and be theperfect offering to God, and also he has human nature so that he mayexperience human difficulties, demonstrate God's grace and powerthrough his obedience, and die on the cross for our sin.
Kenosis
Kenosisdescribes that Christ humbled himself before God though he is equalwith God (Phil. 2:6). He voluntarily withheld some of his divineattributes in order to become a truly man because some in bothnatures are mutually exclusive (ex.., infinity of God and finity ofman). He takes a human nature upon himself permanently though he isin a form of resurrected human.
Incarnation
Incarnationdescribes that Christ is conceived in the womb of virgin Mary (Luke1:35; 3:23; Matt. 1:16, 23) under the power of the Holy Spirit inorder that God may have a human body (John 1:1-2, 14), and be a manwithout sin (1 Pet. 2:22). He becomes a person of union of god andman. His incarnation made him the heir to David’s throne throughthe line of Joseph, and fi3lfllied the promised seed of Abraham forpurpose of our salvation (Gen. 22:18; Matt. 1:1).
VirginBirth
Thevirgin birth of Christ leaves him without original sin or sinfulnature out of Adam
(Rom.5:12). It was a miracle of God without any human contribution to thebirth of Christ.
Christwas conceived in the womb of virgin Mary without the involvement of ahuman male (Is.
7:14;Luke 3:23). Mary is claimed to be a virgin who has had no sexualcontact with anyone. She
waspregnant before marrying Joseph.
Impeccability
Thoughhe could be tempted (Heb. 4:15), Christ Jesus did not sin and alsocould not sin with any possibility. Though he is fully human, sin isnot a part of the original human nature. Due to virgin birth he hasno original sin or sin nature. Furthermore, he is God also and it isimpossible for God to sin (1s. 6:3).
TheSonship of Christ
Jesushas the titles of "Son of Man" and "Son of God."His sonship is eternal (John 17:1-5). His sonship refers to hisincarnation, resurrection, and Davidic kingship. It refers to hisrole to be the savior and king more than his deity.
Davidicking. Jesus will reign over the nations on earth for ever. Jesus is adescendant of David (Matt. 1:6-16; Luke 3:23-31; Rom. 1:3). He is thepromised son in Davidic covenant to be the Davidic king of theeverlasting throne (2 Sam. 7:12-14; Psalm 2:6-7). That his sonship ofGod is his kingship of God is proved in the NT (Matt.17:5; Heb.1:5-8). He is the resurrected king (Acts 13:22-23, 33), the ascendedhigh priest before God (1{Heb. 5:5-6), and the king who will rule thenations for ever (Psalm 2:8),
Sonof God. Being the son of God refers that Jesus is the God in theincarnation with the human form (Luke 1:35), the messiah king (Luke4:41; John 1:49; 11:27; 20:31), the resurrected king (Rom. 1:4; Col.1:13-18), and identified with his deity (John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:38, 42,58; 10:30, 36, 38; 17:1, 5, 22).
Sonof Man. Being the son of man refers that Jesus is not only a man butalso the divine messianic king. Though the usage of "son of man"in the OT refers to the human nature of man (Psalm 8:4; 80:15-17;Ezek. 3:16; 6:1-2; Dan. 8:17), its use in the NT refers to thevictorious king in the Book of Daniel (Dan. 7:13-14; Matt. 13:37-41;16:13, 27; Luke 22:67-70; 21:27; Acts 7:56).
II.THE WORK OF CHRIST
Hislife and Work. First Appearance
Thefirst appearance of Jesus is to demonstrate God himself in the humanform of Jesus, pay the penalty of man's sin and make reconciliationbetween God and man. He lived a sinless life (1 Pet. 2:33). He was toestablish his kingship of Israel (Luke 1:32) but he was rejected byhis own people (Matt. 27:34).
Jesuswas born under the law (Gal. 4:4), started his ministry about the ageof thirty,
traineddisciples (Matt. 4:19), performed miracles (John 14:11), preached thekingdom of God
(Mark1:14, 15; Matt. 13), and died on the cross. He is the sufferingservant in the prophecy of
Isaiah(Is. 42:1-4; 49:5-7; 53:5, 10). He lived a sinless life (1 Pet. 2:22;1 John 3:5; Heb. 4:15;
9:14;2Cor. 5:21).
HisPassion
Thepassion of Christ refers to his suffering from the last supper to thecrucifixion. He demonstrated his love, obedience and humility at thetime of pain, sorrow and spiritual separation from God.
Thepassion began with the Passover meal. Later he struggled with thecoming sufferings, was betrayed and arrested in the garden He wassent for examination, and sentenced to crucifixion. Finally he diedon the cross for the sin of the world. On the cross he was separatedfrom God (Matt. 27:46), but brought salvation to the world ('Heb.9:27; 1 Pet. 2:24). He died on the cross physically (Rom. 5:6-9; 1Cor. 11:23-26) and spiritually (15.53:10-12; Luke 23:46). In thetraditional view he was crucified on Friday (Matt. 27:62; Mark 15:42;Luke 23:56; John 19:31).
The Nature of His Death and the Atonement
ImportantTerms
Atonement.The atonement of Christ stands for all work Jesus made on the crossfor sinners. His death for sinners paid the penalty of their sin,pacified the wrath of God over sinners (or, removed sinners fromGod's wrath), broke the barrier of sin between God and man (or,reconciled God and man), and made justified believers in him (or,erased the sin guilt of sinners). The term "atonement" illthe Old Testament means to cover (Lev. 1:4; 17:11). Israel offeredblood sacrifices in order to cover their sin. The OT sacrifice didnot remove the guilt of their sin (Heb. 10:4), but the sacrifice madeby Christ did so.
Expiationand Forgiveness. Expiation of Christ means that the deathof Christ removed the debt or penalty of a sinner by paying the debtor beating the penalty. Forgiveness of God is his grace not to holdbelievers accountable for their sin but forget forever on the meritof Christ (Eph. 1:7). The main focus of expiation and forgiveness isto remove the guilt of a sinner.
Vicariousand Substitutionary. Vicarious and substitutionary aresynonymous, and both mean that Christ died in place of sinners. Godimputed the guilt of sinners to Christ on the cross, poured his wrathof sin to him, and punished him to death. Christ surrendered himselfand was voluntary to be the sacrifice in this substitution (1 Pet.3:18).
Satisfactionand Propitiation. Satisfaction and propitiation both meanthat the death of Christ turns away God's wrath of man's sin by meansof meeting all requirements of God's justice (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2).Both deal with God (God of wrath) or his wrath (righteous wrath tosin).
Redemption. Redemption is that the death of Christ paid the penalty of believersand sets believers free from the penalty of their sin (1 Cor. 6:20).Christ released believers from slavery under sin to freedom inrighteousness.
Reconciliation. Reconciliation means to change or restore the relationship of God toman from hostility to peace (Rom. 5:1, 9). The death of Christremoved the barrier of sin for all humans (Rom. 5:8-10; 6:6-11).
Justification. Justification is that God declares righteous a believer in view ofthe righteousness of Christ (Rom. 3:24; 5:1). The sin of a believeris removed from God's account, and the righteousness of Christ isimputed on a believer. The believer becomes innocent of his or hersin.
The Extent of the Atonement
Theatonement of Christ is unlimited. He died for all (2 Cor. 5:14-15;Col. 1:20; 1 Tim. 2:6; 4:10; Tit. 2:11; Heb. 2:9-10; 2 Pet. 3:9), andthe world (John 1:10, 29; 3:15-19; 3:17; 4:42; 2 Cor. 5:19; 1 John2:2; 4:14). Since it is unlimited, his atonement includes whosoeverbelieves in Christ (John 3:16; Rom. 10:13; Rev. 22:17).
Theargument of the limited atonement is mainly based on Romans 5:12-19and Ephesians 5:25, but both passages lie in the context of acontrast type of argument. The former emphasizes the stronger effectof Christ's atonement than the effect of Adam1ssin to all men. The atonement of Christ affects more than “all”.The latter depicts the solid relationship of Christ and his church asthe marriage of a couple. The terms "all" and "world"could not be confined to believers alone, otherwise it would becomereluctant in the context and uses of words, and limit theoverabundant love and grace of God (Matt. 5:45).
Theatonement made by Christ is finished and complete because theatonement is not equal to the salvation. The salvation of a believerhas been started but not completed yet. The atonement is a part forthe salvation like the ground for a house to build up. The houseneeds the ground to be its foundation, but the ground may not needany house on its surface. The atonement for all makes the salvationof believers available to start rather than completed. One atonementof Christ is made for many cases of salvation of individualbelievers.
The Resurrection
The meaning of "resurrection" in Greek is to stand again.Christ was raised physically the third day after his physical death.There are three kinds of evidence: the empty tomb, his appearances tohis disciples, and his physical needs. His resurrected body isimmortal (Luke 24:39; John 20:19). His resurrection was the victoryover death (Rom. 6:9; 1 Cor. 15:26), the result of sin (Rom. 5:17;6:23), and fulfilled his prediction (1 Cor. 15:3-8).
The Ascension and Present Work of Christ
Afterhe completed his ministry on earth, Christ ascended to heaven infront his disciples (Acts 1:9) to ask the Father to send the HolySpirit (John 16:7; Acts 1:5; 2:33) and prepare a place for hisbelievers (John 14:2). Now he is sitting at the right hand of theFather (Heb. 1:3; 10:12; 12:2; Rev. 3:21), and serves as our priestbefore God (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14-16).
The Future Work of Christ
Christwill return to reign over the earth (Matt. 25:31). He will raise hissaint from the dead (John 5:28), and reunite with them (Tit. 2:14).He will judge the dead and living, believers and unbelievers (John5:22, 27; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15; Rev. 19:11-21).He will reign on the earth with his saints (Rev. 20:4-6), and saveIsrael (Zech 9:10), and his throne will last forever (Rev. 20:4; 1Tim. 1:17; 1 Cor. 15:24-28).
CHAPTER IVCHRISTOLOGY
I.THE PERSON OF CHRIST
Pre-existenceof Christ
Christexisted before his incarnation (John 1:14-15; 8:58), and even beforethe creation of God (Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:10; 1 Pet 1:20).
Deityof Christ
Christis God. The origin of Christ is from heaven (John 1:15; 3:13). The"begotten" in John 1:14 and 3:16 means "only-begotten"or "unique" more than "begotten." He involved inthe creation of God (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2, 10). Christexercised what only God can do or have: to forgive sin (Matt. 2:5),to judge the world (Mark 2:27-28), to have power over life and death(John 5:21), and to the sovereignty of Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28). Hisdisciple Thomas claimed that Jesus is God (John 20:28). He appliedthe title "son of God" in a unique way (John 10:30;14:7-9), and it was understood that he is equal with God (John 5:18;8:59). He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; Is. 9:6; Tit. 2:13). Herepresents God's person (Heb. 1:3).
Humanityof Christ
Christis a human, too (1 Tim. 2:5). He has a human body (Matt. 26:26; Mark14:22; Luke 22:19; Rom. 7:4; 1 Cor. 11:24). He was born (Matt. 1:16;Luke 1:14; Gal. 4:4), grew in wisdom and physically (Luke 2:52), hadphysical needs (hungry: Matt. 4:2; thirsty: John 19:28; tired: John4:6), had human emotions (cry: John 11:35; grieve: Mark 3:5;troubled: Matt. 26:37), was seen (1 John 1:1), and died (John 19:34).
HynostaticUnion
Theterm "hypostatic union" literally mean "the union ofessences." Christ has two nature, divine and human, in oneperson. The union of both natures perfectly fit together (Phil.2:6-7), and have no conflict (Luke 22:42). He is a God-man (John1:1-14; Phil. 2:7). Hence, Christ is God and man at the same time. Hehas divine nature so that he may live a sinless life and be theperfect offering to God, and also he has human nature so that he mayexperience human difficulties, demonstrate God's grace and powerthrough his obedience, and die on the cross for our sin.
Kenosis
Kenosisdescribes that Christ humbled himself before God though he is equalwith God (Phil. 2:6). He voluntarily withheld some of his divineattributes in order to become a truly man because some in bothnatures are mutually exclusive (ex.., infinity of God and finity ofman). He takes a human nature upon himself permanently though he isin a form of resurrected human.
Incarnation
Incarnationdescribes that Christ is conceived in the womb of virgin Mary (Luke1:35; 3:23; Matt. 1:16, 23) under the power of the Holy Spirit inorder that God may have a human body (John 1:1-2, 14), and be a manwithout sin (1 Pet. 2:22). He becomes a person of union of god andman. His incarnation made him the heir to David’s throne throughthe line of Joseph, and fi3lfllied the promised seed of Abraham forpurpose of our salvation (Gen. 22:18; Matt. 1:1).
VirginBirth
Thevirgin birth of Christ leaves him without original sin or sinfulnature out of Adam
(Rom.5:12). It was a miracle of God without any human contribution to thebirth of Christ.
Christwas conceived in the womb of virgin Mary without the involvement of ahuman male (Is.
7:14;Luke 3:23). Mary is claimed to be a virgin who has had no sexualcontact with anyone. She
waspregnant before marrying Joseph.
Impeccability
Thoughhe could be tempted (Heb. 4:15), Christ Jesus did not sin and alsocould not sin with any possibility. Though he is fully human, sin isnot a part of the original human nature. Due to virgin birth he hasno original sin or sin nature. Furthermore, he is God also and it isimpossible for God to sin (1s. 6:3).
TheSonship of Christ
Jesushas the titles of "Son of Man" and "Son of God."His sonship is eternal (John 17:1-5). His sonship refers to hisincarnation, resurrection, and Davidic kingship. It refers to hisrole to be the savior and king more than his deity.
Davidicking. Jesus will reign over the nations on earth for ever. Jesus is adescendant of David (Matt. 1:6-16; Luke 3:23-31; Rom. 1:3). He is thepromised son in Davidic covenant to be the Davidic king of theeverlasting throne (2 Sam. 7:12-14; Psalm 2:6-7). That his sonship ofGod is his kingship of God is proved in the NT (Matt.17:5; Heb.1:5-8). He is the resurrected king (Acts 13:22-23, 33), the ascendedhigh priest before God (1{Heb. 5:5-6), and the king who will rule thenations for ever (Psalm 2:8),
Sonof God. Being the son of God refers that Jesus is the God in theincarnation with the human form (Luke 1:35), the messiah king (Luke4:41; John 1:49; 11:27; 20:31), the resurrected king (Rom. 1:4; Col.1:13-18), and identified with his deity (John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:38, 42,58; 10:30, 36, 38; 17:1, 5, 22).
Sonof Man. Being the son of man refers that Jesus is not only a man butalso the divine messianic king. Though the usage of "son of man"in the OT refers to the human nature of man (Psalm 8:4; 80:15-17;Ezek. 3:16; 6:1-2; Dan. 8:17), its use in the NT refers to thevictorious king in the Book of Daniel (Dan. 7:13-14; Matt. 13:37-41;16:13, 27; Luke 22:67-70; 21:27; Acts 7:56).
II.THE WORK OF CHRIST
Hislife and Work. First Appearance
Thefirst appearance of Jesus is to demonstrate God himself in the humanform of Jesus, pay the penalty of man's sin and make reconciliationbetween God and man. He lived a sinless life (1 Pet. 2:33). He was toestablish his kingship of Israel (Luke 1:32) but he was rejected byhis own people (Matt. 27:34).
Jesuswas born under the law (Gal. 4:4), started his ministry about the ageof thirty,
traineddisciples (Matt. 4:19), performed miracles (John 14:11), preached thekingdom of God
(Mark1:14, 15; Matt. 13), and died on the cross. He is the sufferingservant in the prophecy of
Isaiah(Is. 42:1-4; 49:5-7; 53:5, 10). He lived a sinless life (1 Pet. 2:22;1 John 3:5; Heb. 4:15;
9:14;2Cor. 5:21).
HisPassion
Thepassion of Christ refers to his suffering from the last supper to thecrucifixion. He demonstrated his love, obedience and humility at thetime of pain, sorrow and spiritual separation from God.
Thepassion began with the Passover meal. Later he struggled with thecoming sufferings, was betrayed and arrested in the garden He wassent for examination, and sentenced to crucifixion. Finally he diedon the cross for the sin of the world. On the cross he was separatedfrom God (Matt. 27:46), but brought salvation to the world ('Heb.9:27; 1 Pet. 2:24). He died on the cross physically (Rom. 5:6-9; 1Cor. 11:23-26) and spiritually (15.53:10-12; Luke 23:46). In thetraditional view he was crucified on Friday (Matt. 27:62; Mark 15:42;Luke 23:56; John 19:31).
The Nature of His Death and the Atonement
ImportantTerms
Atonement.The atonement of Christ stands for all work Jesus made on the crossfor sinners. His death for sinners paid the penalty of their sin,pacified the wrath of God over sinners (or, removed sinners fromGod's wrath), broke the barrier of sin between God and man (or,reconciled God and man), and made justified believers in him (or,erased the sin guilt of sinners). The term "atonement" illthe Old Testament means to cover (Lev. 1:4; 17:11). Israel offeredblood sacrifices in order to cover their sin. The OT sacrifice didnot remove the guilt of their sin (Heb. 10:4), but the sacrifice madeby Christ did so.
Expiationand Forgiveness. Expiation of Christ means that the deathof Christ removed the debt or penalty of a sinner by paying the debtor beating the penalty. Forgiveness of God is his grace not to holdbelievers accountable for their sin but forget forever on the meritof Christ (Eph. 1:7). The main focus of expiation and forgiveness isto remove the guilt of a sinner.
Vicariousand Substitutionary. Vicarious and substitutionary aresynonymous, and both mean that Christ died in place of sinners. Godimputed the guilt of sinners to Christ on the cross, poured his wrathof sin to him, and punished him to death. Christ surrendered himselfand was voluntary to be the sacrifice in this substitution (1 Pet.3:18).
Satisfactionand Propitiation. Satisfaction and propitiation both meanthat the death of Christ turns away God's wrath of man's sin by meansof meeting all requirements of God's justice (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2).Both deal with God (God of wrath) or his wrath (righteous wrath tosin).
Redemption. Redemption is that the death of Christ paid the penalty of believersand sets believers free from the penalty of their sin (1 Cor. 6:20).Christ released believers from slavery under sin to freedom inrighteousness.
Reconciliation. Reconciliation means to change or restore the relationship of God toman from hostility to peace (Rom. 5:1, 9). The death of Christremoved the barrier of sin for all humans (Rom. 5:8-10; 6:6-11).
Justification. Justification is that God declares righteous a believer in view ofthe righteousness of Christ (Rom. 3:24; 5:1). The sin of a believeris removed from God's account, and the righteousness of Christ isimputed on a believer. The believer becomes innocent of his or hersin.
The Extent of the Atonement
Theatonement of Christ is unlimited. He died for all (2 Cor. 5:14-15;Col. 1:20; 1 Tim. 2:6; 4:10; Tit. 2:11; Heb. 2:9-10; 2 Pet. 3:9), andthe world (John 1:10, 29; 3:15-19; 3:17; 4:42; 2 Cor. 5:19; 1 John2:2; 4:14). Since it is unlimited, his atonement includes whosoeverbelieves in Christ (John 3:16; Rom. 10:13; Rev. 22:17).
Theargument of the limited atonement is mainly based on Romans 5:12-19and Ephesians 5:25, but both passages lie in the context of acontrast type of argument. The former emphasizes the stronger effectof Christ's atonement than the effect of Adam1ssin to all men. The atonement of Christ affects more than “all”.The latter depicts the solid relationship of Christ and his church asthe marriage of a couple. The terms "all" and "world"could not be confined to believers alone, otherwise it would becomereluctant in the context and uses of words, and limit theoverabundant love and grace of God (Matt. 5:45).
Theatonement made by Christ is finished and complete because theatonement is not equal to the salvation. The salvation of a believerhas been started but not completed yet. The atonement is a part forthe salvation like the ground for a house to build up. The houseneeds the ground to be its foundation, but the ground may not needany house on its surface. The atonement for all makes the salvationof believers available to start rather than completed. One atonementof Christ is made for many cases of salvation of individualbelievers.
The Resurrection
The meaning of "resurrection" in Greek is to stand again.Christ was raised physically the third day after his physical death.There are three kinds of evidence: the empty tomb, his appearances tohis disciples, and his physical needs. His resurrected body isimmortal (Luke 24:39; John 20:19). His resurrection was the victoryover death (Rom. 6:9; 1 Cor. 15:26), the result of sin (Rom. 5:17;6:23), and fulfilled his prediction (1 Cor. 15:3-8).
The Ascension and Present Work of Christ
Afterhe completed his ministry on earth, Christ ascended to heaven infront his disciples (Acts 1:9) to ask the Father to send the HolySpirit (John 16:7; Acts 1:5; 2:33) and prepare a place for hisbelievers (John 14:2). Now he is sitting at the right hand of theFather (Heb. 1:3; 10:12; 12:2; Rev. 3:21), and serves as our priestbefore God (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14-16).
The Future Work of Christ
Christwill return to reign over the earth (Matt. 25:31). He will raise hissaint from the dead (John 5:28), and reunite with them (Tit. 2:14).He will judge the dead and living, believers and unbelievers (John5:22, 27; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15; Rev. 19:11-21).He will reign on the earth with his saints (Rev. 20:4-6), and saveIsrael (Zech 9:10), and his throne will last forever (Rev. 20:4; 1Tim. 1:17; 1 Cor. 15:24-28).
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