The Deity of Christ: Understanding His Dual Nature
Summary
In today's study, we delve into the profound truth of the deity of Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith that distinguishes it from all other world religions. Understanding the deity of Christ is crucial because it affirms that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, a mystery that is central to our salvation and relationship with God. In the person of Jesus Christ, we find two natures: divine and human. This dual nature is essential for our understanding of who Christ is and what He accomplished for us.
The Scriptures affirm Christ's deity in numerous ways. Colossians 1:15-19 and Philippians 2:6 highlight that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, embodying the fullness of God. Hebrews 1:3 further emphasizes that Christ is the express image of God's person, upholding all things by His powerful word. These passages affirm that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher but God incarnate, worthy of worship and reverence.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is directly called God, as seen in John 1:1, John 20:28, and Romans 9:5. These affirmations are not just titles but declarations of His divine nature and authority. Jesus is also called Lord, a title that signifies His divine sovereignty and authority over all creation. Philippians 2:10-11 declares that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John further reveal His divine identity. These statements echo the divine name revealed to Moses, "I am who I am," and assert Jesus' role as the bread of life, the light of the world, the door of the sheep, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true vine. Each metaphor reveals a facet of His divine nature and His work in the world.
The works and attributes of God are ascribed to Christ, affirming His deity. He is the creator, sustainer, and judge of all things. His authority is absolute, and He is worshiped as God. The necessity of Christ being both God and man is underscored by the infinite value of His sacrifice, which alone could satisfy God's perfect justice and offer salvation to humanity.
Key Takeaways:
- The Dual Nature of Christ: Jesus Christ embodies both divine and human natures, a mystery that is central to our faith. This dual nature allows Him to be the perfect mediator between God and humanity, fully understanding our struggles while possessing the power to redeem us. [01:52]
- Scriptural Affirmation of Deity: The New Testament is replete with affirmations of Christ's deity, from direct titles like "God" and "Lord" to His divine works and attributes. These affirmations are not mere titles but declarations of His divine nature and authority. [04:39]
- The "I Am" Statements: Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John reveal His divine identity and mission. Each metaphor, from the bread of life to the true vine, illustrates His role as the source of spiritual life and sustenance. [14:52]
- Christ's Divine Works and Attributes: The works and attributes of God, such as creation, providence, and judgment, are ascribed to Christ, affirming His deity. His authority is absolute, and He is worshiped as God, underscoring His divine nature. [26:32]
- The Infinite Value of Christ's Sacrifice: The necessity of Christ being both God and man is underscored by the infinite value of His sacrifice. Only the God-man could satisfy God's perfect justice and offer salvation to humanity, highlighting the depth of God's love and grace. [38:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:52] - The Dual Nature of Christ
- [04:39] - Scriptural Affirmation of Deity
- [07:33] - Jesus Called God
- [10:04] - Jesus as Lord
- [14:52] - The "I Am" Statements
- [17:36] - Jesus' Divine Claims
- [20:25] - Equality with God
- [23:49] - Christ's Divine Works
- [26:32] - Attributes of God in Christ
- [30:15] - Christ's Authority
- [34:18] - Worship Due to Christ
- [38:29] - The Infinite Value of Christ's Sacrifice
- [40:49] - Conclusion and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Deity of Christ
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 1:15-19
2. John 1:1
3. Philippians 2:6
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 1:15-19, how is Jesus described in relation to God and creation? What does it mean for Jesus to be the "image of the invisible God"? [01:52]
2. In John 1:1, what is the significance of the Word being both "with God" and "was God"? How does this verse establish the deity of Christ? [04:39]
3. Philippians 2:6 mentions that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. What does this reveal about His nature and character? [04:39]
4. The sermon mentioned Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. How do these statements connect Jesus to the divine name revealed to Moses? [14:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man impact a believer's view of salvation and their relationship with God? [01:52]
2. Why is it significant that Jesus is directly called God in passages like John 1:1 and John 20:28? How does this affect the way Christians view Jesus' authority and role in their lives? [07:33]
3. The sermon emphasized Jesus' divine works and attributes. How do these affirmations of His deity challenge or reinforce one's understanding of who Jesus is? [26:32]
4. What is the importance of Jesus' sacrifice being of infinite value, and how does this relate to His dual nature as both God and man? [38:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the dual nature of Christ. How does knowing that Jesus fully understands human struggles while possessing divine power to redeem influence your daily walk with Him? [01:52]
2. Considering the scriptural affirmations of Christ's deity, how does this shape your worship and reverence for Jesus? Are there areas in your life where you struggle to acknowledge His authority? [04:39]
3. Jesus' "I am" statements reveal His divine identity and mission. Which of these statements resonates most with you, and how can it guide your spiritual journey this week? [14:52]
4. The sermon highlighted the works and attributes of God ascribed to Christ. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and wonder for Jesus' divine works in your life? [26:32]
5. The infinite value of Christ's sacrifice was emphasized. How does this understanding affect your view of grace and forgiveness? Are there areas where you need to fully lean on Christ for salvation? [38:29]
6. Jesus is called Lord, signifying His divine sovereignty. Is He the Lord over all aspects of your life? What steps can you take to ensure that He is? [10:04]
7. How can the understanding of Christ's authority over all things provide comfort and assurance in your personal and communal faith journey? [30:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Mystery of Christ's Dual Nature
In the person of Jesus Christ, we encounter the profound mystery of His dual nature: fully God and fully man. This dual nature is not merely a theological concept but a reality that shapes our understanding of salvation and our relationship with God. As both divine and human, Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity, offering a perfect mediation that no other could provide. His humanity allows Him to empathize with our struggles, while His divinity empowers Him to redeem us. This unique combination is central to the Christian faith, affirming that Jesus is the perfect mediator who fully understands our human experience and possesses the divine power to save. [01:52]
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Consider a struggle you are currently facing. How does knowing that Jesus fully understands your human experience and has the divine power to help you change your approach to this situation today?
Day 2: Affirmations of Christ's Deity
The New Testament is rich with affirmations of Christ's deity, presenting Him not just as a teacher or prophet but as God incarnate. Titles such as "God" and "Lord" are not mere honorifics but declarations of His divine nature and authority. Scriptures like John 1:1 and Romans 9:5 directly call Jesus God, while passages like Philippians 2:10-11 emphasize His divine sovereignty. These affirmations are foundational to understanding who Jesus is and why He is worthy of worship and reverence. Recognizing Jesus as God incarnate transforms our faith, inviting us to submit to His authority and embrace His divine presence in our lives. [04:39]
Titus 2:13-14 (ESV): "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to acknowledge Jesus' authority. What steps can you take today to submit this area to His divine sovereignty?
Day 3: The Revelation of the "I Am" Statements
In the Gospel of John, Jesus' "I am" statements reveal His divine identity and mission. Each metaphor, from the bread of life to the true vine, illustrates His role as the source of spiritual life and sustenance. These statements echo the divine name revealed to Moses, "I am who I am," asserting Jesus' eternal existence and divine authority. By understanding these metaphors, we gain insight into how Jesus meets our deepest needs and invites us into a relationship with Him. Embracing these truths allows us to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers, rooted in His divine nature and purpose. [14:52]
John 8:58 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'"
Reflection: Which of Jesus' "I am" statements resonates most with your current spiritual journey? How can you incorporate this truth into your daily life to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 4: Christ's Divine Works and Attributes
The works and attributes of God are ascribed to Christ, affirming His deity. As the creator, sustainer, and judge of all things, Jesus possesses absolute authority and is worshiped as God. His divine works, such as creation and providence, reveal His power and sovereignty over all creation. Recognizing these attributes in Christ invites us to worship Him with reverence and awe, acknowledging His rightful place as Lord of all. This understanding challenges us to align our lives with His will, trusting in His divine wisdom and guidance. [26:32]
Hebrews 1:2-3 (ESV): "But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power."
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and honor Christ's authority in your daily decisions and actions? How does this recognition impact your worship and relationship with Him?
Day 5: The Infinite Value of Christ's Sacrifice
The necessity of Christ being both God and man is underscored by the infinite value of His sacrifice. Only the God-man could satisfy God's perfect justice and offer salvation to humanity. This profound truth highlights the depth of God's love and grace, as Jesus willingly laid down His life to redeem us. His sacrifice is not just a historical event but a present reality that transforms our lives, inviting us to live in the freedom and hope that His redemption provides. Embracing the infinite value of Christ's sacrifice compels us to respond with gratitude and a commitment to live for His glory. [38:29]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: How does the infinite value of Christ's sacrifice influence your understanding of God's love and grace? What is one way you can express gratitude for His sacrifice in your life today?
Quotes
But Christ is the tangible God. He's the God that we can see because he's God made flesh. He's the image of the invisible God. If you want to know who God is, you look to Christ. If you want to learn his attributes, his nature, you look to Christ. [00:01:33] (19 seconds)
This is got reference to number one, Philippians 2:6, speaking of Christ, saying who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God. Christ is God. He's equal with God. It means if you're equal with God, God means you are the same as God. [00:02:14] (23 seconds)
In the beginning was the Word. Now, who is the Word? Christ, right? In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. Here we see a separation from God in the sense of separation of persons. The Word was with God, and the Word was God, showing that He was God. [00:04:15] (21 seconds)
This is a post-resurrection appearance of Christ. And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God. In Judaism, were you to worship a man? No. When Thomas worships Christ, he's worshiping Him as God, God incarnate. And he calls Jesus, My Lord and my God. [00:05:31] (29 seconds)
Philippians 2, verses 10 through 11, likewise says, that the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [00:09:28] (21 seconds)
Jesus taught his divinity in his I am statements in the gospel of John. The blank is I am in John John's gospel it's a very Christocentric gospel and in it he makes seven I am statements where to the reader in English we may not catch it as the Jews would have understood it. [00:10:27] (25 seconds)
Furthermore, he says, I am the resurrection and the life. In John chapter 11, 25, where he's talking to Martha, he's saying, if you believe in me, though you die, yet you shall live. And if you live and believe in me, you'll never die. He tells Martha, do you believe this? [00:13:09] (18 seconds)
In John chapter 14, he says, I am the way, the truth, and the life. There's no other way to God but through Christ because he is God. He says, I am the way, I am the truth. There is no other truth but Christ for he is truly God. [00:13:43] (23 seconds)
The resurrection we find in John 5, 27 through 29. We find truth. John 14 and 6, verse 6. I am the way, the truth, and the life. We find love. Is it not God love? Well, Christ is love. In this we know that God loves us and that he sent forth a son, Jesus, to die for us. [00:28:21] (25 seconds)
It was necessary for Christ to be the God-man so that his sacrifice would be of infinite value. Infinite is the first blank. Remember we said that when we studied the infinity of God, we said that infinity isn't a place. It's not a quality that you can actually define, but it's boundless supply from within, right? [00:37:55] (32 seconds)
He was the God man. God made flesh, perfectly obeyed the Father, perfectly satisfied all the righteous requirements of the law. He became a curse for us so that we might have his righteousness. And salvation is only found in Christ Jesus, our Lord, the divine person, the second person of the Trinity. [00:40:49] (26 seconds)
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