The Mystery of Christ's Dual Nature and Mediation
Summary
In our exploration of the two natures united in Christ, we delve into the profound mystery of the incarnation, a concept that challenges our finite understanding. Jesus Christ embodies both divine and human natures, perfectly united in one person. This union is unaltered and undivested, meaning that neither nature loses its essential attributes. Christ is truly God and truly man, a mystery that parallels the complexity of the Trinity. The divine nature of Christ remains unchanged, and His humanity is perfect, unlike our flawed human nature. This dual nature is essential for Christ to be our mediator, bridging the gap between God and humanity.
The Chalcedonian Creed provides parameters for understanding this union, emphasizing that the two natures are without confusion or separation. Christ is not a mixture of divine and human but the God-man, fully embodying both natures. This union is not a gradual process but an eternal truth, with Christ assuming human nature at the incarnation. His divine nature did not diminish; rather, He humbled Himself, taking on human limitations while retaining His divine attributes.
The incarnation is a personal act, with Christ assuming our nature, duties, and liabilities. This assumption allows Him to be our perfect mediator, reconciling us to God. The attributes and powers of both natures are ascribed to the one person, Jesus Christ, allowing Him to suffer and atone for our sins. His atonement is infinite, covering all who trust in Him. The union of the two natures in Christ is a mystery beyond human analogy, accepted by faith and grounded in Scripture.
Key Takeaways:
- The union of divine and human natures in Christ is a profound mystery, akin to the Trinity. This union is perfect, unaltered, and undivested, meaning that neither nature loses its essential attributes. Christ is truly God and truly man, a mystery that challenges our finite understanding. [07:25]
- The Chalcedonian Creed provides parameters for understanding the union of Christ's two natures, emphasizing that they are without confusion or separation. Christ is not a mixture of divine and human but the God-man, fully embodying both natures. This understanding is crucial for grasping the nature of salvation. [12:11]
- The divine nature of Christ remains unchanged in the incarnation. He humbled Himself, taking on human limitations while retaining His divine attributes. This humility is not an emptying of divinity but a veiling of glory, allowing Him to fully experience human life. [16:11]
- Christ's assumption of human nature, duties, and liabilities allows Him to be our perfect mediator. His atonement is infinite, covering all who trust in Him. This union enables Him to sympathize with our weaknesses and make atonement for us. [33:17]
- The union of the two natures in Christ is a mystery beyond human analogy, accepted by faith and grounded in Scripture. Human reason cannot fully grasp it, but we trust the authority of God's perfect word to guide our understanding. [40:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:25] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [12:11] - Chalcedonian Creed and Christ's Natures
- [16:11] - Divine Nature Unchanged
- [20:32] - Christ's Humility and Human Experience
- [25:15] - Single Personality of Christ
- [29:22] - Attributes Ascribed to Christ
- [33:17] - Christ's Atonement and Mediation
- [36:37] - Infinite Value of Christ's Sacrifice
- [40:31] - Trusting Scripture's Authority
- [43:41] - Christ's Assumption of Human Nature
- [47:03] - Adoption into God's Family
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 2:9 - "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
2. Matthew 1:20-21 - "But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.'"
3. Hebrews 2:17-18 - "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 2:9, what does it mean for the fullness of the Godhead to dwell bodily in Christ? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the divine and human natures of Christ? [29:22]
2. In Matthew 1:20-21, what role does the Holy Spirit play in the conception of Jesus, and how does this support the idea of Jesus being both fully God and fully man? [12:11]
3. How does Hebrews 2:17-18 describe Jesus' ability to sympathize with human weaknesses, and what does this imply about His dual nature? [33:17]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of the Chalcedonian Creed in understanding the union of Christ's two natures? [12:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus being both fully God and fully man challenge our understanding of His role as a mediator between God and humanity? [12:11]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Jesus' divine nature remaining unchanged during the incarnation? How does this impact our understanding of His humility? [16:11]
3. In what ways does the sermon explain the necessity of Christ's dual nature for the atonement of sins? How does this relate to the infinite value of His sacrifice? [36:37]
4. How does the sermon address the mystery of the union of Christ's two natures, and why is it important to accept this mystery by faith? [40:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the mystery of the incarnation. How does accepting this mystery by faith impact your personal relationship with Christ? [40:31]
2. The sermon discusses Christ's role as a mediator. How can you rely on Jesus as your mediator in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or feeling distant from God? [12:11]
3. Considering that Christ's divine nature remained unchanged, how can you emulate His humility in your interactions with others? [16:11]
4. The sermon emphasizes the infinite value of Christ's atonement. How does this understanding influence your view of forgiveness and grace in your own life? [36:37]
5. How does the idea of Jesus sympathizing with our weaknesses encourage you in moments of personal struggle or temptation? [33:17]
6. Reflect on the concept of being adopted into God's family through Christ. How does this identity shape your sense of belonging and purpose within the church community? [47:03]
7. In what ways can you deepen your trust in the authority of Scripture, especially when faced with theological mysteries that are difficult to comprehend? [40:31]
Devotional
Day 1: The Mystery of Christ's Dual Nature
The union of divine and human natures in Christ is a profound mystery that challenges our finite understanding. This union is perfect, unaltered, and undivested, meaning that neither nature loses its essential attributes. Christ is truly God and truly man, a mystery that parallels the complexity of the Trinity. This dual nature is essential for Christ to be our mediator, bridging the gap between God and humanity. The divine nature of Christ remains unchanged, and His humanity is perfect, unlike our flawed human nature. This mystery is accepted by faith and grounded in Scripture, reminding us of the depth and richness of God's plan for salvation. [07:25]
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: How does the mystery of Christ's dual nature deepen your understanding of His role as your mediator? What aspect of this mystery challenges you the most, and how can you seek to embrace it by faith today?
Day 2: Understanding the Chalcedonian Creed
The Chalcedonian Creed provides parameters for understanding the union of Christ's two natures, emphasizing that they are without confusion or separation. Christ is not a mixture of divine and human but the God-man, fully embodying both natures. This understanding is crucial for grasping the nature of salvation, as it affirms that Christ's divinity and humanity are perfectly united in one person. The Creed helps us to avoid misconceptions about Christ's nature and to appreciate the depth of His incarnation. By affirming this truth, we can better understand the significance of Christ's work on our behalf. [12:11]
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. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Reflection: How does the Chalcedonian Creed's explanation of Christ's natures help you understand the significance of His work on the cross? In what ways can you incorporate this understanding into your daily worship and devotion?
Day 3: Christ's Humility in the Incarnation
The divine nature of Christ remains unchanged in the incarnation. He humbled Himself, taking on human limitations while retaining His divine attributes. This humility is not an emptying of divinity but a veiling of glory, allowing Him to fully experience human life. Christ's humility in the incarnation is a profound demonstration of His love and willingness to identify with humanity. By taking on human nature, He was able to experience our struggles and weaknesses, ultimately leading to His sacrificial death on the cross. This act of humility calls us to reflect on our own lives and how we can emulate Christ's example. [16:11]
Philippians 2:6-8 (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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride or self-sufficiency? How can Christ's example of humility inspire you to serve others and rely more on God's strength?
Day 4: Christ as Our Perfect Mediator
Christ's assumption of human nature, duties, and liabilities allows Him to be our perfect mediator. His atonement is infinite, covering all who trust in Him. This union enables Him to sympathize with our weaknesses and make atonement for us. As our mediator, Christ bridges the gap between God and humanity, offering us reconciliation and peace with God. His atoning sacrifice is sufficient for all who believe, providing a way for us to be restored to a right relationship with God. This truth invites us to trust in Christ's work and to find comfort in His ability to understand and empathize with our struggles. [33:17]
1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
Reflection: How does knowing that Christ is your perfect mediator affect your relationship with God? What specific burdens or struggles can you bring to Him today, trusting in His understanding and empathy?
Day 5: Trusting the Mystery of Christ's Nature
The union of the two natures in Christ is a mystery beyond human analogy, accepted by faith and grounded in Scripture. Human reason cannot fully grasp it, but we trust the authority of God's perfect word to guide our understanding. This mystery invites us to rely on God's revelation rather than our own understanding, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours. By embracing this mystery, we can grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God, trusting that He has revealed all that we need to know for salvation and godliness. [40:31]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What aspects of your faith do you find difficult to understand or accept? How can you practice trusting in God's revelation and wisdom, even when it challenges your own understanding?
Quotes
In Christ, the two natures are perfect. That's the first blank. Unaltered. That's the second blank. Are perfect. They are unaltered in their essence. And undivested. That's the third blank. Undivested. Are their normal attributes. Let me reread that. In Christ, the two natures are perfect. Unaltered in their essence. And undivested are their normal attributes. [00:01:27] (31 seconds)
They're unaltered in their essence. What that means is that they're not changed in their essence. In other words, humanity doesn't become something else, and divinity doesn't become something else. If you recall, in week one, we talked about the early Christological heresies, and there was one heresy that the Eutychians promoted that said that the human nature and the divine nature in Christ mixed together and became a third thing, right? [00:04:50] (28 seconds)
The Chalcedonian Creed, you'll find this all listed here. I'm not going to read it, because to be honest with you, it probably wouldn't make a lot of sense to you to read it first and out. But what it does is simply this. It gives us the parameters of how we should think about God taking on flesh. [00:08:38] (18 seconds)
The divine and human natures are united in the person of Christ without confusion, that's the first blank, or separation, that's the second blank. Remember we talked about the Eutychians who said that the divine nature and human nature were mixed together and made something else, right? Made a third nature. That's what we referred to without confusion. [00:09:59] (22 seconds)
Christ is not God and man, but the God man. In other words, he's the mediator between God and man. That's why he took on flesh. Matthew 1 20 through 21, the angel says, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to marry your wife. For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. [00:10:45] (23 seconds)
The divine nature did not experience any change in the incarnation. Change is the first blank. The incarnation was a personal act, that's the second blank, personal act, in which the person of the Son of God assumed a human nature unmixed, that's the third blank, unmixed with his divine nature. [00:14:50] (27 seconds)
When Christ took on humanity, it was a forever union, right? So even now, Christ is incarnate in heaven, right? That gives us hope. If Christ, the first of the new race, of new humanity, is in heaven, so too will we. As he rose from the dead, we will rise also and be with him in an incredible way. [00:16:11] (25 seconds)
The union of the two natures in the one person of Jesus Christ is a mystery as great as the Trinity. No human analogy, that's the first blank, will fully explain it. Remember when we talked about the Trinity, there's a lot of well-meaning analogies that people have concocted to try to explain how God is one person, or I'm sorry, one essence with three persons. [00:37:05] (29 seconds)
It must be accepted by faith, that's the third blank, on the authority of Scripture, and explained, that's the fourth blank, explained by its teachings. What I'm trying to tell you is this, don't try to reason it out. Don't try to come up with cute analogies that might make sense, whether it's from chemistry or whether it's from even things such as the Trinity and the human union with our Savior. [00:40:15] (31 seconds)
If you can't trust God's word to inform you about the person of Jesus Christ, then you can't trust anything. Yeah, science won't get you there. Looking at the rocks and trees won't get you there, right? It's only in his divine revelation in scripture. Flip over on the back. Let's look at 1 Timothy 3 .16. [00:41:18] (24 seconds)
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