The Mystery of Christ: Divine and Human Union

 

Summary

In this introduction to the person of Christ, we explore the profound mystery of the incarnation and the dual nature of Jesus as both fully divine and fully human. From the outset, it is emphasized that God's eternal plan for salvation was not a reactionary measure but a preordained purpose, with Christ as the Lamb of God, slain before the foundation of the world. This eternal decree underscores the preexistence of Christ, affirming His divinity and equality with the Father, as seen in John 1:1-3 and 2 Timothy 1:9. The incarnation, therefore, is not merely a historical event but a divine act of grace, revealing God's unmerited love for humanity.

The preparation for Christ's coming involved the law, the prophets, and judgment, all of which highlighted humanity's need for a Savior. The law exposed our sinfulness and inability to meet God's standards, while the prophets foretold the coming Messiah, and judgment served as a corrective measure for Israel's rebellion. This preparation culminated in the fullness of time, as described in Galatians 4:3-5, when Christ was born under the law to redeem those under it, offering adoption as sons.

The incarnation, meaning "coming in the flesh," signifies the addition of a perfect human nature to Christ's divine nature. This union was necessary for atonement, as only the God-man could mediate between God and humanity. The mystery of this union, akin to the mystery of the Trinity, remains beyond human comprehension, yet it is a truth to be held in awe and reverence.

Throughout history, the church has grappled with heresies that sought to undermine the reality, integrity, or union of Christ's two natures. From the Ebionites to the Eutychians, these heresies reflect misunderstandings that persist in various forms today. The correct doctrine, as affirmed by the Chalcedonian definition, holds that in the one person of Jesus Christ, there are two complete and perfect natures, united without confusion or division.

As we delve deeper into Christology, the study of Christ's person and work, it is crucial to ground our understanding in Scripture, allowing it to direct our theology. This study is not merely academic but a means to deepen our faith and equip us to share the truth of Christ with others.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Eternal Plan: God's plan for salvation through Christ was not a reaction to human sin but an eternal decree, highlighting the preexistence and divinity of Christ. This underscores the depth of God's grace and love, as He provided a Savior before the foundation of the world. [01:32]

2. Preparation for the Messiah: The law, prophets, and judgment prepared humanity for Christ's coming, revealing our need for a Savior and pointing to the Messiah. This preparation was both historical and spiritual, setting the stage for the incarnation. [04:33]

3. The Mystery of the Incarnation: The incarnation is a profound mystery, with Christ taking on human flesh to mediate between God and humanity. This union of divine and human natures is essential for atonement and remains a truth to be held in awe. [12:18]

4. Christological Heresies: Throughout history, heresies have challenged the reality, integrity, or union of Christ's natures. Understanding these errors helps us appreciate the correct doctrine and the importance of maintaining the truth of Christ's dual nature. [21:27]

5. Scripture as the Foundation: Our understanding of Christology must be grounded in Scripture, allowing it to direct our theology. This ensures that our study of Christ is not merely academic but a means to deepen our faith and witness. [38:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:32] - God's Eternal Decree
- [03:06] - Christ's Preexistence and Divinity
- [04:33] - Preparation for the Messiah
- [05:48] - The Role of the Law and Prophets
- [08:23] - Israel's Judgment and Revival
- [10:28] - The Fullness of Time
- [12:18] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [14:51] - Christ as Mediator
- [16:12] - Gratitude for Christ's Sacrifice
- [18:15] - The Union of Two Natures
- [20:05] - Awe of the Incarnation
- [21:27] - Christological Heresies
- [26:24] - The Arian Controversy
- [29:54] - The Nestorian Controversy
- [33:10] - Modern Implications of Heresies
- [38:35] - Scripture as the Foundation
- [41:37] - The Nicene Creed
- [43:24] - Conclusion and Next Steps

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Mystery of the Incarnation

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1-3
2. 2 Timothy 1:9
3. Galatians 4:3-5

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Observation Questions:

1. According to John 1:1-3, what does it mean that "the Word was with God, and the Word was God"? How does this passage affirm the preexistence and divinity of Christ? [01:32]

2. In 2 Timothy 1:9, what is said about the purpose and grace given in Christ Jesus before time began? How does this relate to God's eternal plan for salvation? [03:06]

3. Galatians 4:3-5 describes the timing of Christ's coming. What does it mean that Christ was born "under the law"? How does this passage highlight the preparation for the Messiah? [10:28]

4. The sermon mentioned various heresies that challenged the nature of Christ. What were some of these heresies, and how did they misunderstand the union of Christ's divine and human natures? [21:27]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of the incarnation as a "divine act of grace" deepen our understanding of God's love for humanity? What implications does this have for our faith? [12:18]

2. The sermon emphasized the importance of grounding our understanding of Christology in Scripture. Why is it crucial to let Scripture direct our theology, especially in the study of Christ's nature? [38:35]

3. How do the historical heresies discussed in the sermon help us appreciate the correct doctrine of Christ's dual nature? What lessons can we learn from the church's response to these heresies? [21:27]

4. The sermon mentioned the "fullness of time" in relation to Christ's coming. How does understanding God's perfect timing in sending Christ impact our trust in His timing in our own lives? [10:28]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on God's eternal plan for salvation. How does knowing that Christ was ordained as the Savior before the foundation of the world affect your view of God's sovereignty and grace? [01:32]

2. The law and prophets prepared humanity for Christ's coming. In what ways do you see God preparing you for His purposes in your life today? How can you be more attentive to His preparation? [04:33]

3. The incarnation is described as a profound mystery. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for this mystery in your daily life? What practices might help you maintain this perspective? [12:18]

4. Considering the historical heresies, how can you ensure that your understanding of Christ remains true to Scripture? What steps can you take to deepen your theological knowledge and discernment? [21:27]

5. The sermon highlighted the importance of gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. How can you express gratitude in your daily interactions and relationships? What specific actions can you take to show this gratitude? [16:12]

6. How does the concept of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity influence your approach to prayer and worship? In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Christ as your mediator? [14:51]

7. Reflect on the Nicene Creed's description of Christ. How does this creed help you articulate your faith to others? How can you use it as a tool for sharing the gospel with those around you? [41:37]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Eternal Plan of Salvation
God's plan for salvation through Christ was not a reaction to human sin but an eternal decree, highlighting the preexistence and divinity of Christ. This underscores the depth of God's grace and love, as He provided a Savior before the foundation of the world. The eternal nature of this plan reveals that God's love and grace are not contingent upon human actions but are part of His divine nature. This understanding invites believers to rest in the assurance that God's love is steadfast and unchanging, rooted in His eternal purpose. [01:32]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does knowing that God's plan for your salvation was established before the world began change the way you view your relationship with Him today?


Day 2: The Law and Prophets as Preparation
The law, prophets, and judgment prepared humanity for Christ's coming, revealing our need for a Savior and pointing to the Messiah. This preparation was both historical and spiritual, setting the stage for the incarnation. The law exposed humanity's sinfulness and inability to meet God's standards, while the prophets foretold the coming of a Messiah who would fulfill the law and offer redemption. This divine orchestration highlights God's sovereignty and His desire for humanity to recognize their need for a Savior. [04:33]

Hebrews 10:1 (ESV): "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near."

Reflection: In what ways do you see the law and the prophets pointing to your need for Christ in your own life today?


Day 3: The Profound Mystery of the Incarnation
The incarnation is a profound mystery, with Christ taking on human flesh to mediate between God and humanity. This union of divine and human natures is essential for atonement and remains a truth to be held in awe. The incarnation is not merely a historical event but a divine act of grace, revealing God's unmerited love for humanity. This mystery invites believers to approach their faith with humility and reverence, acknowledging the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to redeem humanity. [12:18]

Colossians 2:9 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."

Reflection: How does the mystery of the incarnation inspire you to live out your faith with awe and reverence today?


Day 4: Understanding Christological Heresies
Throughout history, heresies have challenged the reality, integrity, or union of Christ's natures. Understanding these errors helps us appreciate the correct doctrine and the importance of maintaining the truth of Christ's dual nature. The church has grappled with various misunderstandings, from the Ebionites to the Eutychians, which persist in different forms today. By studying these heresies, believers can strengthen their understanding of Christ's nature and guard against false teachings. [21:27]

1 John 4:2-3 (ESV): "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already."

Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Christ's nature and protect yourself from false teachings?


Day 5: Scripture as the Foundation of Christology
Our understanding of Christology must be grounded in Scripture, allowing it to direct our theology. This ensures that our study of Christ is not merely academic but a means to deepen our faith and witness. By rooting our understanding in Scripture, we align our beliefs with God's revealed truth and equip ourselves to share the gospel with others. This foundation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our faith and ensuring that our theology is biblically sound. [38:35]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more Scripture into your daily routine to ensure that your understanding of Christ is biblically grounded?

Quotes

God eternally decreed to save humanity through his divine son, who eternally existed as the second person of the Trinity before all things were made. So let me reread that. God eternally decreed to save humanity through his divine son, who eternally existed as the second person of the Trinity before all things were made. [00:00:06] (9 seconds)


That caught God not at all by surprise. He knew that before he created us. Christ is a lamb of God who was slain before the foundation of the world. And so he eternally decreed, before anything was created, that Christ would be given to people to save. And that he would save us before the foundations of the world by being the lamb of God that was marked for our salvation. [00:01:07] (25 seconds)


Paul writes, he says, to me, whom less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. And that's what we study when we study Christology. We study the unsearchable riches of Christ. And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ, to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in him. [00:03:06] (48 seconds)


God's purposes are mysterious to us. He did not disclose them to us from the beginning of the world, but now he has in Christ Jesus, and it's all his grace, his unmerited love that he showers upon us in the person of Jesus Christ. We would never know his love apart from the person of Christ. [00:04:14] (19 seconds)


How fallen short we are, right. There's no way we could keep the Mosaic law. We are sinners. As we studied in hermarchiology, it is bent. Our wills, it has bent our minds. It has estranged us from God. So the law shows us our need for a savior, right. And more than that, it actually, the law, Paul says, would provoke him to sin. [00:05:48] (25 seconds)


to atone for sins right and those sacrifices though not efficacious in themselves they pointed to the one who would be efficacious and that's christ right all those sacrifices were pictures of christ christ is the lamb of god without blemish without spot he's the paschal lamb that therefore we're passed over because his blood is applied to us right so the law showed us our sin and it also showed us our need for salvation the prophets much the same way the prophets gave us many different directives sometimes it was encouragement sometimes it was uh upbraidment uh chastising us if you will but we must not forget that the law though it preached our need for salvation it was mainly the prophets that we hear about the messiah right you read through isaiah and about the servant and what he would do god's perfect servant and you read about isaiah 53 right how he would be wounded for our transgressions and bruised uh because of our iniquities and that by his stripes we would be healed right so god gave us the prophets to prepare us for the incarnation to prepare us for the way of christ he also sent judgment as part of this preparation with israel because israel despite being promised a messiah they continued to rebel and they continued to do what they were told they would not do the things that were предegrown to be stiff -necked, to continue to embrace idolatry. And what did God do? But he sent them away into captivity, right? Into Babylon. And they were gone for 70 years. [00:06:45]

When they were surrounded by pagans and they were away from the worship of Yahweh, they missed it. And one thing it did do, historically speaking, is it broke Israel of idolatry. When they came back into the land, and idolatry, as far as the actual worshiping of pagan idols, was not the issue as it was before when they went there, right? [00:08:23] (24 seconds)


Galatians 4 speaks of this. 3 through 5 says, Even so, when we were children, we were in bondage, under the elements of the world. In context, he's not talking about paganism there. He's actually talking about the empty rituals of the Jewish religion. He says, And when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son. [00:10:52] (21 seconds)


born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law that we might receive the adoption as sons. So he sent forth his son to be born like us, born of a woman, to be born under the law. In other words, under the old covenant, we were required to obey God, right? To keep that. And he was born underneath that, right? [00:11:52] (24 seconds)


The application for number two, is this, trust in God's timing, that it is always perfect. God knew the exact right time, this world needed the Messiah, right? And what a wonderful time it was and how the church has flourished. We tend to be a little bit myopic sometimes. We think, well, we don't see the church doing so hot here and maybe in our community or in America, but think about the big picture that we have Christians all over. The globe, there's not a continent in this earth that does not have fruit bearing, Bible believing Christians, right? The gospel has gone forth and the gates of hell will not prevail. [00:12:03] (47 seconds)


The application for number three, be thankful to Christ for paying our debt. That's the response that we should have. Remember the parable that Jesus told of a man who owed a great debt to a king? Debt that he could never pay. And the king was going to throw him in debtor's prison, basically, and he begged for mercy. And so the king forgave him of that debt, right? [00:15:57] (27 seconds)


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Transcript
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