The Profound Mysteries of Christ's Nature and Atonement

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we delved into the profound mysteries of Christ's nature and the implications of His incarnation. We began by exploring the question of whether Jesus, in His glorified state, knows the date of His second coming. This inquiry led us to discuss the doctrine of Apollinarianism, which historically denied Jesus' full humanity by suggesting that the divine Logos replaced His human mind. We affirmed that Jesus, in His incarnation, took on a reasonable soul, growing in wisdom and stature, and continues to possess a human mind even in His glorified state. This understanding challenges us to appreciate the mystery of the hypostatic union—Jesus being fully God and fully man, with each nature retaining its own attributes.

We also examined the necessity of blood for atonement, as outlined in Scripture. The Old Testament sacrificial system graphically demonstrated that sin leads to death, and it is only through the shedding of blood that remission of sins is possible. This was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sinless life and sacrificial death satisfied the righteous requirements of the law. His resurrection after three days was sufficient because it was the Father's decision to accept this as complete atonement.

Furthermore, we discussed the authority of Scripture, particularly in the context of Sola Scriptura. The reformers, despite their fallibility, recognized the Bible as the ultimate authority, not created by the church but received as the Word of God. This doctrine emphasizes that Scripture alone is the certified divine revelation, binding the conscience with the truth of God's Word.

Lastly, we touched on the role of personal holiness in our witness to the world. Our lives are a testament to our beliefs, and our holiness—or lack thereof—speaks volumes to those around us. We are called to live out our faith authentically, as our actions often precede our words in communicating the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Mystery of Christ's Knowledge: Jesus, in His glorified state, retains a human mind, which continues to grow and learn. This challenges us to embrace the mystery of the hypostatic union, where Jesus is fully God and fully man, each nature maintaining its distinct attributes. This understanding deepens our appreciation for the incarnation and the profound mystery of Christ's dual nature. [02:45]

2. The Necessity of Blood for Atonement: The shedding of blood is essential for the remission of sins, as life is in the blood. This principle, established in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death and resurrection provide complete atonement for sin. This truth underscores the gravity of sin and the profound love of God in providing a way for redemption. [09:01]

3. Sola Scriptura and Authority: The reformers emphasized that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority, received as the Word of God, not created by the church. This doctrine highlights the importance of grounding our faith in the apostolic and inspired Word, which alone has the authority to bind our conscience. It calls us to a deeper commitment to the truth of God's Word. [12:47]

4. The Role of Personal Holiness: Our personal holiness is crucial in our witness to the world. As we live out our faith authentically, we demonstrate the truth of the gospel to those around us. Our lives are often the first testimony others see, and our holiness—or lack thereof—can either draw people to Christ or push them away. [45:40]

5. The Joy of Faith: Infectious joy in our faith can be a powerful witness to others, especially in family contexts. While arguments may be necessary at times, the joy we exhibit in our relationship with Christ can be contagious and draw others to explore the faith we hold dear. This joy is rooted in a deep understanding and embrace of the truths of Scripture. [41:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:41] - Introduction to the Conference
- [01:00] - Exploring Christ's Knowledge
- [02:08] - The Hypostatic Union
- [03:37] - The Communication of Attributes
- [06:01] - Understanding a Reasonable Soul
- [07:18] - The Necessity of Blood for Atonement
- [09:56] - The Significance of Jesus' Resurrection
- [11:17] - Sola Scriptura and Church Authority
- [14:59] - The Role of Tradition
- [17:27] - The Reformation and Worship
- [20:35] - Church Discipline as a Mark of the Church
- [23:05] - The Reformation and the Renaissance
- [30:44] - The Birth of the Church
- [36:10] - Engaging the Millennial Generation
- [40:20] - Sharing Reformation Truths
- [42:09] - The Importance of Personal Holiness
- [46:09] - Anticipating Tomorrow's Event

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 13:32 - "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
2. Hebrews 9:22 - "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus retaining a human mind in His glorified state? How does this relate to the concept of the hypostatic union? [02:45]

2. What does the Old Testament sacrificial system demonstrate about the nature of sin and atonement, as discussed in the sermon? [07:48]

3. How did the reformers view the authority of Scripture in relation to the church, according to the sermon? [12:47]

4. What role does personal holiness play in our witness to the world, as highlighted in the sermon? [45:40]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of the hypostatic union challenge our understanding of Jesus' knowledge and His divine and human natures? What implications does this have for our faith? [02:45]

2. In what ways does the necessity of blood for atonement underscore the gravity of sin and the love of God? How does this understanding affect our view of redemption? [09:01]

3. Why is the doctrine of Sola Scriptura significant for grounding our faith, and how does it influence our approach to Scripture and church tradition? [12:47]

4. How can personal holiness serve as a testament to the truth of the gospel in our daily lives? What are the potential consequences of neglecting this aspect of our faith? [45:40]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the mystery of the hypostatic union. How does this understanding of Jesus being fully God and fully man impact your personal relationship with Him? [02:45]

2. Consider the significance of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. How does this shape your understanding of forgiveness and your response to sin in your life? [09:01]

3. How can you deepen your commitment to the authority of Scripture in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure that your beliefs and actions are grounded in God's Word? [12:47]

4. In what ways can you demonstrate personal holiness in your interactions with others this week? Identify specific actions you can take to live out your faith authentically. [45:40]

5. Think about a situation where you can share the joy of your faith with others. How can you make your joy in Christ evident to those around you, especially in family contexts? [41:27]

6. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with holiness. What changes can you make to align more closely with the call to be holy as God is holy? [42:09]

7. How can you use your understanding of Sola Scriptura to engage in meaningful conversations about faith with others? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? [12:47]

Devotional

Day 1: The Mystery of Christ's Dual Nature
In the mystery of the hypostatic union, Jesus Christ embodies both full divinity and full humanity, each nature retaining its distinct attributes. This profound truth challenges us to embrace the complexity of Christ's nature, where His human mind continues to grow and learn even in His glorified state. This understanding deepens our appreciation for the incarnation, inviting us to marvel at the divine wisdom and humility displayed in Jesus' life and ministry. As we reflect on this mystery, we are called to a deeper faith in the God who became man for our salvation. [02:45]

"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 the mystery of Christ's dual nature challenge your understanding of who Jesus is, and how can this understanding deepen your relationship with Him today?


Day 2: The Necessity of Blood for Atonement
The shedding of blood is essential for the remission of sins, a principle established in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. His sinless life and sacrificial death satisfied the righteous requirements of the law, providing complete atonement for sin. This truth underscores the gravity of sin and the profound love of God in providing a way for redemption. As we contemplate the necessity of blood for atonement, we are reminded of the cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love for us. [09:01]

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." (Leviticus 17:11, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you express gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus in your daily life, acknowledging the cost of your redemption?


Day 3: Sola Scriptura and Authority
The doctrine of Sola Scriptura emphasizes that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority, received as the Word of God and not created by the church. This principle calls us to ground our faith in the apostolic and inspired Word, which alone has the authority to bind our conscience. As we commit to the truth of God's Word, we are invited to a deeper understanding of our faith and a more profound commitment to living according to its teachings. [12:47]

"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." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prioritize the authority of Scripture in your life, ensuring that it guides your decisions and actions daily?


Day 4: The Role of Personal Holiness
Our personal holiness is crucial in our witness to the world. As we live out our faith authentically, we demonstrate the truth of the gospel to those around us. Our lives are often the first testimony others see, and our holiness—or lack thereof—can either draw people to Christ or push them away. This calls us to a life of integrity and authenticity, where our actions align with our beliefs, and our lives reflect the transformative power of the gospel. [45:40]

"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life needs to align more closely with the holiness God calls you to, and what steps can you take today to pursue that holiness?


Day 5: The Joy of Faith
Infectious joy in our faith can be a powerful witness to others, especially in family contexts. While arguments may be necessary at times, the joy we exhibit in our relationship with Christ can be contagious and draw others to explore the faith we hold dear. This joy is rooted in a deep understanding and embrace of the truths of Scripture, inviting us to live with a sense of hope and purpose that transcends our circumstances. [41:27]

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper joy in your faith that becomes evident to those around you, and what impact might this have on your relationships?

Quotes


In the Incarnation, Jesus Took a reasonable Soul; he grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and with men, and that he continues even in his glorified State. He continues to have a human mind. I can't fully know or understand what depths of knowledge that glorified human mind has right now. [00:02:22]

The irreducible essence of life is the blood, so the matter of life and death is made visible in the blood. That is one of the reasons why the sacrificial system in the Old Testament was such a graphic demonstration of where sin leads; it leads to death. [00:07:34]

It is the shed blood of Jesus as our substitutionary savior who shed his blood for us and shed the blood that scripture reveals to have been human blood, blood like your blood and my blood, but he being not only fully man but also fully God shed that blood having lived a sinless life. [00:08:10]

The reformers recognized that they themselves were fallible, and they did not believe that the church created the infallible scripture or that the church was the basis of the Authority for the infallible scripture. Yes, the church went through a series of councils in which they finally declared the Bible to be authoritative. [00:11:26]

The church said we receive the scriptures as the word of God. There's a big difference between creating the scriptures as the word of God or being the authority that is that by which the scriptures is authorized. No, they were bowing before it and recognizing it, and that was a good recognition. [00:12:31]

The content of the Gospel always remains the same and has to be clarified, however, and communicated with rigor in every generation. But there's nothing about the millennial generation that requires a change of the content. Amen to that. I think we need to recognize that when we're talking about Millennials. [00:36:19]

The spectacular rise of the nuns, that is, the non-affiliated, amongst the Millennials is the fact that there is no advantage to cultural Christianity. There are wonderfully committed young Millennials; otherwise, you wouldn't have Reformation Bible College, we wouldn't have Southern Seminary, we wouldn't have RTS. [00:37:52]

Faithful Christians look like faithful Christians no matter whether they had a soul patch or gray hair, and they're going to believe the faith once for all delivered to the Saints. And don't write off Millennials as if there are no wonderfully committed consecrated convictional young Millennials. [00:38:56]

The most important sharing that has to be done is from the Bible. We need a generation of families to go back not just to affirm the doctrine of scripture but to search deeply for the teaching of scripture. That's what we need to have the mind of Christ, and the only way you can find the mind of Christ is from the word of God. [00:40:33]

Let's be infectious with our joy, and when our relatives are around us who may not share our faith, may they at least have to come face to face with how joyful is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and our Embrace of and by these truths. Because sometimes arguments are absolutely necessary. [00:41:46]

To the degree that we live out our faith in Christ likeness is the degree to which we stamp what we believe with authenticity, and to the degree that we don't, we are rightly labeled as Hypocrites. So, be ye holy as I am Holy. It's What drew me to Christ 45 years ago. [00:42:59]

We have developed the instinct to think from Doctrine to life, to think from theology to experience, to think from preaching to action. We got to recognize that most of the people in the world think in the opposite direction. They actually watch us and make their inferences about what we believe. [00:45:14]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Nov 08, 2016. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?