Christology

Christology is the branch of Christian systematic theology that focuses on the study of the person,
nature, and work of Jesus Christ. It seeks to answer critical questions such as:

1. Who is Jesus Christ?

o His identity as fully God and fully man (the hypostatic union).

o His relationship within the Trinity as the Son of God.

2. What did Jesus do?

o His incarnation (becoming flesh).

o His life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension.

o His role as Savior, Redeemer, and Mediator.

3. What is Jesus' significance for salvation and humanity?

o His role in atonement (paying the penalty for sin).

o His ongoing work as intercessor and King.

Key Topics in Christology:

1. Divinity of Christ: Affirmation of Jesus as fully God, coequal, and coeternal with the Father.

2. Humanity of Christ: Emphasis on Jesus being fully human, experiencing human emotions,
limitations, and suffering.

3. Incarnation: The doctrine that the Son of God took on human flesh (John 1:14).

4. Two Natures of Christ: Jesus is one person with two natures—divine and human—united
without confusion or division (as defined by the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451).

5. Work of Christ: Examination of His atoning sacrifice, His obedience, and His resurrection victory
over sin and death.

6. Titles of Christ: Exploration of titles like Messiah, Lord, Son of God, Son of Man, and Lamb of
God.

Importance of Christology:

• For Worship: A right understanding of who Christ is enhances devotion and worship.

• For Salvation: The proper understanding of Christ's person and work is central to the Christian
message of salvation.

• For Doctrine: It guards against heresies like Arianism (denying Christ's divinity) or Docetism
(denying Christ's humanity).

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The divinity of Christ is a central doctrine in Christianity, affirming that Jesus is fully and truly God. This
belief is supported by Scripture, early Christian creeds, and theological reasoning.

1. Scriptural Evidence for Christ's Divinity - John 1:1, 20:28, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:3

B. Divine Titles - Matthew 1:23, Titus 2:13.

C. Divine Actions

• Creation - John 1:3

• Forgiveness of Sins - Mark 2:5-7

• Sustaining the Universe - Colossians 1:17

D. Worship of Jesus - Matthew 14:33

2. Christ’s Claims About His Divinity - John 8:58

3. Early Church Affirmation

• The Nicene Creed (AD 325) declares Jesus as "God from God, Light from Light, true God from
true God," affirming His full divinity.

• The Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) upheld that Jesus is one person with two natures—fully God
and fully man.

Pre-incarnate existence of Christ

1. Scriptural Evidence for Christ’s Pre-Incarnate Existence

A. Christ as Eternal - John 1:1-2

B. Christ as Creator - Colossians 1:16-17

C. Pre-Incarnate Appearances – Assignment.

D. Christ's Glory Before the Incarnation - John 17:5

2. Christ's Role in the Trinity

Prefigurations of Christ - Assignment

Humanity of Christ

1. Biblical Evidence for Christ’s Humanity

A. The Incarnation - John 1:14

B. His Birth and Lineage - Matthew 1:1-17:

C. His Physical Nature - Luke 24:39

D. His Emotional Experiences - Matthew 26:37-38

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1. Growth and Learning - Luke 2:52

2. Temptation - Hebrews 4:15

3. Death - John 19:30

2. Theological Significance of Christ’s Humanity

A. To Be the Perfect Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5

B. To Be Our Substitute - Hebrews 2:17

C. To Sympathize with Our Weaknesses - Hebrews 4:15:

D. To Demonstrate Perfect Obedience - Romans 5:19

Hypostatic Union and Kenosis of Jesus Christ

1. Hypostatic Union

A. Scriptural Basis

1. John 1:1, 14

2. Colossians 2:9

3. Hebrews 1:3

4. Philippians 2:6-7

B. Theological Explanation

1. Fully God and Fully Man:

2. Union Without Mixture:

2. Kenosis of Christ

A. Scriptural Basis

1. Philippians 2:6-7

2. 2 Corinthians 8:9

3. John 17:5

B. What the Kenosis Is Not

1. Not a Loss of Divinity:

2. Not an Exchange:

C. What the Kenosis Is

1. Veiling of Glory:

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3. Submission to the Father

Offices of Christ - Assignment

The person and work of Christ in Salvation

1. The Person of Christ in Salvation

A. Fully God

1. Divine Nature - John 1:1-3

2. Role as Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5

B. Fully Man

1. Incarnation - John 1:14

2. Human Experiences - Hebrews 4:15

3. Representation - Romans 5:18-19

2. The Work of Christ in Salvation

A. His Life: Perfect Obedience

1. Active Obedience - Matthew 5:17

2. Imputed Righteousness - 2 Corinthians 5:21

B. His Death: Atonement for Sin

1. Substitutionary Atonement - Isaiah 53:5-6

2. Propitiation - 1 John 2:2

3. Redemption - Ephesians 1:7

C. His Resurrection: Victory over Sin and Death

1. Vindication of His Work - Romans 4:25

2. Defeat of Death - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

3. Living Hope - 1 Peter 1:3

D. His Ascension: Exaltation and Rule

1. Exalted Position - Philippians 2:9-11

2. Preparation of a Place - John 14:2-3

E. His Intercession: Ongoing Ministry

1. High Priestly Role - Hebrews 7:25

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The ministry of Jesus Christ

1. Present Ministry of Jesus Christ

A. Jesus as the Exalted Lord

B. Jesus as the Head of the Church

C. Jesus as the High Priest

D. Jesus as the Giver of Spiritual Gifts

2. Future Ministry of Jesus Christ

A. Jesus Will Return

B. Jesus Will Judge

C. Jesus Will Establish His Eternal Kingdom

D. Jesus Will Be Worshiped Forever

Our Response towards Lord Jesus for who He is and what He has done

The response to Jesus Christ is all-encompassing. Recognizing who He is (God and Savior) and what He
has done (redeeming humanity) calls for:

• Faith in His work and promises.

• Repentance from sin.

• Worship for His glory and grace.

• Obedience to His commands.

• Proclamation of His gospel.

• Hopeful anticipation of His return.

These responses glorify Christ and demonstrate the transformation He brings to those who follow Him.
They also provide assurance of salvation and joy in the believer’s relationship with Him.

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