The Mystery of Christ: Divinity and Humanity Explored

 

Summary

In our exploration of biblical doctrines, we have journeyed from understanding humanity's fallen state to the profound doctrine of redemption and salvation. Central to this journey is the person of Jesus Christ, who stands as the pivotal figure in the Bible. Our focus today is on the doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly the doctrine of the Incarnation. This doctrine asserts that the eternal Son of God took on human flesh, entering the world in the likeness of sinful flesh. This leads us to the doctrine of the Virgin birth, affirming that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is indeed the eternal Son of God.

The Bible presents two main claims about Jesus: His divinity and His humanity. His divinity is evidenced by the divine names ascribed to Him, such as the Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, and the Lord of Glory. The Bible attributes divine attributes to Him, including omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, eternity, and immutability. Furthermore, Jesus holds divine offices, such as creation, preservation, forgiveness of sins, and judgment. His self-consciousness and claims to deity, such as His assertion of being one with the Father, further affirm His divine nature.

Equally, the Bible affirms His humanity. The Virgin birth, His human names, and His physical nature all testify to His humanity. He experienced growth, development, and human limitations, such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue. He was subject to temptation, yet without sin, and He prayed, demonstrating His reliance on God. Despite His humanity, He remained sinless, a crucial aspect of His nature.

The doctrine of Jesus' personhood is a profound mystery, combining both His divinity and humanity. This dual nature is essential for understanding His role as Savior and Redeemer. As we continue to explore these doctrines, we are reminded of the depth and richness of the biblical narrative and the centrality of Christ in our faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The Centrality of Christ in Redemption: Jesus Christ is the central figure in the doctrine of redemption and salvation. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith, and understanding His nature is crucial for comprehending the fullness of salvation. [00:47]

- The Doctrine of the Incarnation: The Incarnation is a profound mystery where the eternal Son of God took on human flesh. This doctrine emphasizes the reality of Jesus' humanity and divinity, which are essential for His role as our Savior. [01:19]

- Divine Attributes and Offices: Jesus possesses divine attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He holds divine offices, including creation, preservation, and judgment, affirming His deity and authority. [08:09]

- Humanity and Sinlessness: Despite His divine nature, Jesus was fully human, experiencing growth, development, and human limitations. His sinlessness is a testament to His unique nature, being tempted yet without sin. [23:58]

- The Mystery of His Personhood: The dual nature of Christ, being both fully divine and fully human, is a profound mystery. This understanding is vital for grasping His role as the mediator between God and humanity. [44:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Biblical Doctrines
- [00:26] - The Centrality of Christ
- [00:47] - The Doctrine of the Incarnation
- [01:19] - Exploring the Virgin Birth
- [02:11] - The Babe in Bethlehem
- [02:45] - The Mystery of His Person
- [03:35] - Claims of Divinity
- [04:26] - Divine Names and Attributes
- [08:09] - Divine Offices of Christ
- [14:25] - Old Testament Parallels
- [16:37] - Coupling of Divine Names
- [17:45] - Worship and Self-Consciousness
- [19:17] - Claims of Deity
- [23:58] - Evidence of Humanity
- [36:54] - Sinlessness and Temptation
- [44:22] - The Dual Nature of Christ
- [45:56] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
2. Hebrews 4:15 - "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
3. Philippians 2:6-7 - "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the divine names and attributes ascribed to Jesus in the sermon? How do these affirm His divinity? [04:26]
2. How does the sermon describe the humanity of Jesus, and what evidence is provided to support this? [23:58]
3. What role does the Virgin birth play in affirming both the divinity and humanity of Jesus according to the sermon? [02:11]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' sinlessness in relation to His humanity? [36:54]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the doctrine of the Incarnation help us understand the dual nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human? [01:19]
2. In what ways does Jesus' sinlessness impact our understanding of His role as Savior and Redeemer? [36:54]
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of Jesus' divine offices, such as creation and judgment, in affirming His deity? [11:50]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between Jesus' humanity and His ability to empathize with our weaknesses? [23:58]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the centrality of Christ in your personal faith journey. How does understanding His dual nature deepen your relationship with Him? [00:47]
2. The sermon emphasizes Jesus' sinlessness despite being tempted. How can this inspire you to resist temptation in your own life? [36:54]
3. Consider the divine attributes of Jesus, such as omnipotence and omniscience. How do these attributes influence your trust in Him during challenging times? [08:09]
4. How does the mystery of the Incarnation challenge you to embrace the mysteries of faith that you may not fully understand? [44:22]
5. Jesus' humanity is highlighted by His experiences of hunger, thirst, and fatigue. How can acknowledging His humanity help you relate to Him more personally? [23:58]
6. The sermon discusses Jesus' role as a mediator between God and humanity. How can this understanding shape your approach to prayer and worship? [44:22]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can the doctrine of the Incarnation reassure you of God's closeness and understanding of your struggles? [01:19]

Devotional

Day 1: The Centrality of Christ in Redemption
The doctrine of redemption and salvation is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection form the cornerstone of Christian faith, offering a pathway to salvation. Understanding His nature is crucial for comprehending the fullness of salvation. Jesus is not just a historical figure but the living embodiment of God's redemptive plan. His centrality in the doctrine of redemption underscores the importance of recognizing Him as the foundation of our faith. As believers, acknowledging Christ's pivotal role in our salvation journey is essential for a deeper spiritual understanding. [00:47]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the central figure in your redemption change the way you live your daily life?


Day 2: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The Incarnation is a profound mystery where the eternal Son of God took on human flesh. This doctrine emphasizes the reality of Jesus' humanity and divinity, which are essential for His role as our Savior. The Incarnation is not merely a theological concept but a divine act that bridges the gap between God and humanity. By becoming fully human, Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and limitations, yet remained sinless. This dual nature is vital for understanding His role as the mediator between God and humanity, offering a unique perspective on the divine plan for salvation. [01:19]

John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Reflection: In what ways does the mystery of the Incarnation inspire you to live out your faith more authentically?


Day 3: Divine Attributes and Offices
Jesus possesses divine attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He holds divine offices, including creation, preservation, and judgment, affirming His deity and authority. These attributes and offices highlight His unique position as both God and man, capable of fulfilling the divine plan for humanity. Understanding these aspects of Jesus' nature helps believers appreciate the depth of His love and the extent of His power. Recognizing His divine authority encourages us to trust in His guidance and sovereignty in our lives. [08:09]

Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): "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: How can acknowledging Jesus' divine attributes and offices influence the way you approach challenges in your life today?


Day 4: Humanity and Sinlessness
Despite His divine nature, Jesus was fully human, experiencing growth, development, and human limitations. His sinlessness is a testament to His unique nature, being tempted yet without sin. This aspect of His humanity is crucial for understanding His role as our Savior, as it demonstrates His ability to empathize with our struggles while providing a perfect example of righteousness. Jesus' sinlessness offers hope and encouragement to believers, reminding us that through Him, we can overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God. [23:58]

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."

Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to bring to Jesus, trusting in His sinlessness to guide you toward righteousness?


Day 5: The Mystery of His Personhood
The dual nature of Christ, being both fully divine and fully human, is a profound mystery. This understanding is vital for grasping His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The mystery of His personhood invites believers to explore the depths of their faith, recognizing the complexity and beauty of God's redemptive plan. Embracing this mystery encourages a deeper relationship with Christ, as we seek to understand and appreciate the fullness of His nature. This duality is not a contradiction but a divine truth that enriches our spiritual journey. [44:22]

Philippians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

Reflection: How does the mystery of Christ's dual nature challenge you to deepen your understanding and relationship with Him today?

Quotes



The Bible presents two main claims about Jesus: His divinity and His humanity. His divinity is evidenced by the divine names ascribed to Him, such as the Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, and the Lord of Glory. The Bible attributes divine attributes to Him, including omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, eternity, and immutability. [00:03:25]

There are certain Divine names which are ascribed to him Divine names now there are allog together some 16 names ascribe to him Each of which clearly implies his deity let me mention some of them to you he is described as the Son of God 40 times Son of God he is refer to as his son God's son. [00:04:19]

Jesus possesses divine attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He holds divine offices, including creation, preservation, and judgment, affirming His deity and authority. The Bible asserts His pre-existence, and Paul tells us that all the fullness of the godhead dwelleth in Him bodily. [00:08:09]

The Bible asserts His humanity. The Virgin birth, His human names, and His physical nature all testify to His humanity. He experienced growth, development, and human limitations, such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue. He was subject to temptation, yet without sin, and He prayed, demonstrating His reliance on God. [00:23:58]

The dual nature of Christ, being both fully divine and fully human, is a profound mystery. This understanding is vital for grasping His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The scriptures claim for Him His divinity or His unique deity, but of course, I must hurry on to say as the Second Great claim that the scriptures also equally definitely teach us His Humanity. [00:44:22]

The doctrine of Jesus' personhood is a profound mystery, combining both His divinity and humanity. This dual nature is essential for understanding His role as Savior and Redeemer. As we continue to explore these doctrines, we are reminded of the depth and richness of the biblical narrative and the centrality of Christ in our faith. [00:00:47]

The Incarnation is a profound mystery where the eternal Son of God took on human flesh. This doctrine emphasizes the reality of Jesus' humanity and divinity, which are essential for His role as our Savior. The Eternal second person in the Blessed Trinity came into this world and took unto Him human nature and appeared as a man amongst men. [00:01:19]

The scriptures make it abundantly plain and clear that He had a typical human physical nature. Take that statement in John 1:14, the word was made flesh or became flesh. Take again the statements we considered last week in Hebrews 2, particularly verse 14 where we are told that because the children were partakers of Flesh and Blood He also took likewise of the same. [00:25:58]

He was subject to growth and to development like all of us. Luke 2:40 and the child grew and waxed strong in spirit filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him. In the same chapter Luke 2:52 and Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and Men. [00:29:24]

He was clearly here on Earth subject to certain limitations in His knowledge limitations of knowledge. Here's an instance in Mark 11:3 the incident of the barren fig tree we are told that our Lord came to it expecting to receive fruit of it He didn't know that it hadn't got root of it. [00:30:34]

He was clearly subject to physical limitations subject to physical limitations again in John 4 the incident of the woman of Samaria we are told that He was wearying He sat down by the side of the well because He was physically tired and didn't go with the disciples to buy Provisions. [00:32:20]

He was tempted in all points like as we are yet without sin. The Holy Scripture says that He was tempted in all points like as we are. The need of prayer is an absolute proof of His true humanity. He constantly was engaging in prayer and as He comes to face the end He goes into that Garden to pray and asks these men to pray with Him and for Him. [00:33:54]

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Transcript
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