Affirming Christ: The Core of Our Faith

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the significance of the Ligonier Statement on Christology, a ministry initiative aimed at affirming the core truths about Jesus Christ. This statement, available in multiple languages, serves as a tool for understanding and sharing the foundational beliefs about Christ's nature and work. We began by reflecting on Hebrews 12, which encourages us to focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, especially in times of trial and persecution. This focus on Christ is not new; it has been a central theme throughout church history as believers have defended the truth of Christ's humanity and divinity against various heresies.

In the early church, the humanity of Christ was challenged by Docetism, which claimed Jesus only appeared to be human. The church responded by affirming His true humanity. Later, the deity of Christ was questioned by Arianism, which the Council of Nicaea addressed by declaring Jesus as of one substance with the Father. The Council of Chalcedon further clarified the union of Christ's two natures, truly God and truly man, in one person.

The Reformation brought a renewed focus on the work of Christ, emphasizing "solus Christus"—Christ alone—as the basis of our salvation. This doctrine highlights that through Christ's obedience and atonement, we are reconciled to God. The gospel is not just about forgiveness of sins but also about being clothed in Christ's righteousness, a concept often overlooked.

Today, the doctrine of Christ remains under attack, as Dr. R.C. Sproul noted, because it is central to the gospel. Our statement begins with a confession of belief and ends with praise, illustrating that true theology leads to doxology. We affirm the historical and theological facts of the incarnation, recognizing the mystery of Christ's dual nature and His redemptive work for us. This understanding compels us to worship, acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and praising His holy name forever.

Key Takeaways:

- The Ligonier Statement on Christology is a vital tool for understanding and sharing the truth about Jesus Christ's nature and work. It is available in multiple languages, reflecting the universal need for sound doctrine. This initiative reminds us of the importance of grounding our faith in the historical and theological truths of Christ. [00:30]

- Hebrews 12 encourages us to focus on Jesus, especially during trials. This focus has been a constant theme throughout church history, as believers have defended the truth of Christ's humanity and divinity against various heresies. Our identity in Christ is a source of strength and endurance. [02:22]

- The early church faced challenges to Christ's humanity and divinity, which were addressed by the Councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon. These councils affirmed the truth of Christ's dual nature, truly God and truly man, in one person. This historical foundation is crucial for our understanding of Christ today. [04:09]

- The Reformation emphasized "solus Christus"—Christ alone—as the basis of our salvation. This doctrine highlights that through Christ's obedience and atonement, we are reconciled to God. The gospel is not just about forgiveness of sins but also about being clothed in Christ's righteousness. [09:42]

- True theology leads to doxology. Our understanding of Christ's nature and work should compel us to worship, acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and praising His holy name forever. This response is a natural outflow of encountering the truth of the gospel. [23:45]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Christology Statement
- [01:10] - Testimony of Impact
- [02:22] - Focus on Hebrews 12
- [03:14] - Encouragement in Trials
- [04:09] - Early Church Challenges
- [04:55] - Docetism and Humanity of Christ
- [05:47] - Arianism and Deity of Christ
- [06:34] - Council of Nicaea
- [07:30] - Historical Context of Nicaea
- [08:25] - Nicene Creed Affirmation
- [09:00] - Chalcedonian Formula
- [09:42] - Reformation and Solus Christus
- [10:36] - Modern Challenges to Christology
- [11:17] - Theology and Doxology Connection
- [12:16] - Person and Work of Christ
- [13:06] - Mystery and Revelation
- [13:47] - Trinitarianism and Incarnation
- [14:39] - Historical and Theological Facts
- [15:30] - "For Us" in the Nicene Creed
- [16:36] - Active and Passive Obedience of Christ
- [18:32] - Righteousness and Redemption
- [19:50] - Imputation and Exchange
- [21:47] - Current Ministry of Christ
- [23:45] - Jesus Christ is Lord
- [24:38] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 12:1-3

Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 12:1-3 encourage believers to do in times of trial and persecution? How does this relate to the focus of the sermon on Christ's nature and work? [02:22]
2. How did the early church respond to the heresy of Docetism, and what was the significance of this response? [04:55]
3. What was the outcome of the Council of Nicaea regarding the deity of Christ, and why was this important for the church? [08:25]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between theology and doxology? [11:17]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the author of Hebrews use the imagery of a race to describe the Christian life, and what does it mean to "look to Jesus" as the founder and perfecter of our faith? [02:22]
2. In what ways did the early church councils, such as Nicaea and Chalcedon, shape our understanding of Christ's dual nature? Why is this understanding crucial for believers today? [09:00]
3. The sermon mentions "solus Christus" as a key doctrine of the Reformation. How does this doctrine emphasize the sufficiency of Christ's work for our salvation? [09:42]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the connection between understanding Christ's nature and engaging in worship? How does this understanding lead to a response of praise? [12:16]

Application Questions:
1. Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages believers to lay aside every weight and sin. What are some specific "weights" or sins in your life that hinder your focus on Jesus, and how can you address them this week? [02:22]
2. Reflect on a time when your understanding of Christ's humanity or divinity was challenged. How did you respond, and what resources or support helped you affirm your faith? [04:09]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of "solus Christus" in our salvation. How does this doctrine impact your daily life and relationship with God? [09:42]
4. Consider the statement that true theology leads to doxology. How can you incorporate more intentional worship and praise into your daily routine as a response to your understanding of Christ? [11:17]
5. The sermon discusses the active and passive obedience of Christ. How does recognizing Christ's obedience influence your view of righteousness and your own efforts to live a godly life? [19:50]
6. How can you use the Ligonier Statement on Christology as a tool to share your faith with others, especially those who may have questions about Jesus' nature and work? [01:10]
7. Reflect on the phrase "Jesus Christ is Lord" as a personal confession. How does this declaration shape your identity and actions as a follower of Christ? [23:45]

Devotional

Day 1: The Universal Need for Sound Doctrine
The Ligonier Statement on Christology serves as a vital tool for understanding and sharing the truth about Jesus Christ's nature and work. This initiative underscores the importance of grounding our faith in the historical and theological truths of Christ, which are essential for believers worldwide. The statement is available in multiple languages, reflecting the universal need for sound doctrine. By affirming the core truths about Jesus, believers can confidently share their faith and defend it against misconceptions and heresies. This foundation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the gospel message in diverse cultural contexts. [00:30]

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively seek to deepen your understanding of Christ's nature and work this week, and who can you share this knowledge with to encourage their faith?


Day 2: Christ as Our Focus in Trials
Hebrews 12 encourages believers to focus on Jesus, especially during times of trial and persecution. This focus has been a constant theme throughout church history, as believers have defended the truth of Christ's humanity and divinity against various heresies. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, we find strength and endurance to persevere through challenges. Our identity in Christ becomes a source of resilience, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that our faith is anchored in the unchanging truth of who Jesus is. [02:22]

"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Hebrews 12:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific area of your life are you currently facing trials, and how can you intentionally focus on Jesus to find strength and encouragement today?


Day 3: The Historical Foundation of Christ's Dual Nature
The early church faced significant challenges to Christ's humanity and divinity, which were addressed by the Councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon. These councils affirmed the truth of Christ's dual nature, truly God and truly man, in one person. This historical foundation is crucial for our understanding of Christ today, as it provides clarity and certainty about His identity and work. By studying these historical affirmations, believers can appreciate the depth and richness of the Christian faith and be equipped to address contemporary challenges to Christology with confidence and grace. [04:09]

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the historical affirmations of Christ's dual nature impact your personal faith, and how can you use this knowledge to engage in meaningful conversations about Jesus with others?


Day 4: Solus Christus and Our Reconciliation with God
The Reformation emphasized "solus Christus"—Christ alone—as the basis of our salvation. This doctrine highlights that through Christ's obedience and atonement, we are reconciled to God. The gospel is not just about the forgiveness of sins but also about being clothed in Christ's righteousness. This profound truth invites believers to rest in the completed work of Christ, knowing that their standing before God is secure because of His perfect obedience and sacrificial love. Embracing this doctrine leads to a deeper appreciation of the grace and mercy extended to us through Jesus. [09:42]

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Reflection: What does it mean for you personally to be "clothed in Christ's righteousness," and how can this understanding transform the way you approach your relationship with God and others?


Day 5: Theology Leading to Doxology
True theology leads to doxology. Our understanding of Christ's nature and work should compel us to worship, acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and praising His holy name forever. This response is a natural outflow of encountering the truth of the gospel, as it moves us from mere intellectual assent to heartfelt adoration. By recognizing the mystery and majesty of Christ's dual nature and His redemptive work, believers are drawn into a deeper relationship with God, where worship becomes a joyful expression of gratitude and reverence for who He is and what He has done. [23:45]

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate moments of worship and adoration into your daily routine this week, allowing your understanding of Christ to lead you into deeper expressions of praise and gratitude?

Quotes


"And the author of Hebrews tells us, 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.'" [00:02:22]

"This was a world dominated by Plato, and one fundamental doctrine of Plato is 'matter is bad.' And so, how could the divine being sully himself by taking on flesh? So, in the incarnation, Jesus was not truly man; he only appeared to be human. He, as it were, hovered six inches off the ground. So, the early church combated this. The apostles themselves combat this." [00:05:47]

"And this was the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed. And this wonderful statement from the Nicene Creed that Jesus is of one substance with the Father. So we have the humanity of Christ established as the church combats Docetism. We have the deity of Christ established as the church combats Arianism. And now, we have a problem of, well, how do the two natures come together?" [00:08:25]

"And so, we have this wonderful Chalcedonian formula of the two natures of Christ, that Jesus is truly man and truly God, two natures in one person. We skip ahead a bit to the Reformers, and we find that the issue here is the work of Christ. And so, now we need ... and we talk about sola fide, we talk about sola gratia. Solus Christus is the shorthand for 'the gospel,' 'Christ alone.'" [00:09:00]

"And when the interviewer pressed him a little bit, he said, 'Because that's the gospel.' And it's always the gospel that will be under attack. And so, we put together this statement. As you have the statement in front of you, it begins with a confession, a statement of belief. There are really two key verbs that bookend this statement. The first is 'We confess,' which is our theology." [00:11:17]

"Theology always leads to doxology. Theology that is straight, 'ortho' is the word as in 'orthodox.' Theology that is straight and right and biblical will always lead to praise. Didn't we hear that earlier? We sing! We sing as a natural response to the truth that we encounter in theology. So, we begin with theology, and we end with doxology, and let's take a look at what's in between." [00:12:16]

"And so we study this person of Christ, 'With the Father and the Holy Spirit, the Son,' so this is Trinitarianism. This is recognizing the equality of the Son with the Father. Again, as Nicaea tells us, that Christ is of one substance, the same substance of the Father, 'created all things, sustains all things, and makes all things new.' Summarizing then, the Chalcedonian formula, 'Truly God, He became truly man, two natures in one person.'" [00:13:47]

"To pause for a moment and not simply skip over from the birth of Christ to the death of Christ, but to pause for a moment and recognize that in His incarnation, He did not hover six inches off the ground, but is our faithful high priest, touched with our infirmities, sympathetic because He lived among us. 'Tabernacled' is the word. 'Dwelled among us.'" [00:14:39]

"Let’s not skip over this crucial expression that 'He kept the Law.' Theologians refer to this as 'the active and passive obedience of Christ.' That in His passive obedience, he's paying that penalty, He's undoing what Adam did. But in His active obedience, he's doing what Adam should've done. In His active obedience, He's keeping the law. And that is such a crucial part of the gospel." [00:19:50]

"And the extent to which God sees you now is the extent to which He sees the Son. That in your union with Christ, you stand before the Father, clothed in a righteousness that is not our own. Luther called it 'alien righteousness.' And by that, he didn't mean a Welshman who made his way into South Carolina. He meant that it was outside of us and given to us. And so, 'He took our filthy rags and gave us His righteous robe.'" [00:21:47]

"And so we come, then, to what is the first confession, the singular confession, the concise confession that is in the New Testament itself. And it’s simply this, 'Jesus Christ is Lord.' We should have put an exclamation point there. 'Jesus Christ is Lord.' And then, in a hushed tone, we say, 'We praise His holy Name forever. Amen.' Because theology leads to doxology." [00:23:45]

"One of the most beautiful phrases, I think, in all of theological literature, comes to us from the Nicene Creed, and it’s this little expression, 'For us.' For us, that Jesus, truly God, became incarnate and undertook His Messianic mission to accomplish redemption for us. This is not the God of Plato. This is not the abstract deity. This is the God who, as the Latin expression is, pro nobis, is 'for us,' and has made Himself known, and is known in His redemptive work." [00:15:30]

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Transcript
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