Christology: The Person and Work of Christ

Christology, the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ, is a central doctrine of Christianity. It seeks to understand His divine and human natures, His earthly ministry, death, resurrection, and His ongoing role in redemption and mediation. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of who Christ is and what He has accomplished, grounded in Scripture to equip Bible students with a solid foundation for faith and ministry.

I. The Person of Christ

A. The Divine Nature of Christ

1. Biblical Affirmations of Christ’s Deity:

   • Jesus is called God (John 1:1, Titus 2:13).

   • He possesses divine attributes: eternal (John 8:58), omnipresent (Matthew 28:20), omniscient (John 2:24-25), and omnipotent (Revelation 1:8).

   • He performs divine works: creation (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16) and forgiveness of sins (Mark 2:5-7).

   • He is worshipped, which is reserved for God alone (Matthew 14:33, Hebrews 1:6).

2. Key Texts on the Deity of Christ:

   • Philippians 2:5-6: Jesus existed in the form of God yet humbled Himself.

   • Colossians 2:9: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

B. The Human Nature of Christ

1. Biblical Affirmations of Christ’s Humanity:

   • He was born of a woman (Galatians 4:4), grew (Luke 2:52), became hungry (Matthew 4:2), and experienced fatigue (John 4:6).

   • He experienced emotions: wept (John 11:35), felt compassion (Mark 6:34), and became angry (Mark 3:5).

   • He died a human death (Luke 23:46) and was physically resurrected (Luke 24:39).

2. Key Texts on the Humanity of Christ:

   • Hebrews 2:17: He became like His brethren to serve as a merciful High Priest.

   • 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

C. The Hypostatic Union

• The hypostatic union refers to the union of Christ’s divine and human natures in one Person. He is fully God and fully man, without confusion or division (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9).

II. The Work of Christ

A. The Pre-Incarnate Work of Christ

1. As Creator:

   • “All things were made through Him” (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).

2. As Sustainer:

   • Christ upholds the universe by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3).

3. As the Angel of the Lord:

   • Old Testament appearances, such as in Exodus 3:2, prefigure His incarnation.

B. The Incarnate Work of Christ

1. His Earthly Ministry:

   • Preached the kingdom of God (Mark 1:15).

   • Performed miracles to authenticate His identity (John 20:30-31).

   • Lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15).

2. His Death:

   • Substitutionary atonement: Jesus bore the penalty of sin on behalf of humanity (Isaiah 53:4-6, 1 Peter 3:18).

   • Redemption: His death bought freedom from sin (Ephesians 1:7).

   • Propitiation: He satisfied the wrath of God (Romans 3:25).

3. His Resurrection:

   • Validated His deity (Romans 1:4).

   • Secured the believer’s justification (Romans 4:25).

   • Conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

4. His Ascension:

   • Exalted to the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:9-11, Ephesians 1:20).

   • Continues His intercession for believers (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).

C. The Present Work of Christ

1. Mediator Between God and Man:

   • Jesus is the one mediator reconciling humanity to God (1 Timothy 2:5).

2. Intercessor for Believers:

   • He intercedes on behalf of His people (Hebrews 7:25).

3. Head of the Church:

   • Christ is the head of the Church, guiding and sustaining it (Colossians 1:18).

D. The Future Work of Christ

1. His Return:

   • Jesus will return visibly and gloriously (Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11).

2. Judgment:

   • He will judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 20:11-15).

3. Eternal Reign:

   • Christ will reign forever as King (Revelation 11:15).

III. Common Misconceptions and Heresies About Christ

A. Misconceptions About His Deity

1. Arianism:

   • Denies Jesus’ full deity, claiming He is a created being.

   • Refuted by passages affirming His eternal nature (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9).

2. Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs:

   • Assert that Jesus is not equal to the Father but is a subordinate god.

B. Misconceptions About His Humanity

1. Docetism:

   • Claims Jesus only appeared to have a human body but was purely divine.

   • Contradicted by His physical suffering, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:39).

C. Misconceptions About His Natures

1. Nestorianism:

   • Divides Christ into two persons, separating His divine and human natures.

   • Refuted by the doctrine of the hypostatic union (John 1:14).

2. Monophysitism:

   • Asserts that Jesus has only one nature, a mixture of divine and human.

   • Denied by the Council of Chalcedon, which upheld His two distinct natures.

IV. Practical Applications for Bible Students

1. Understand Salvation’s Depth:

   • Reflect on the significance of Jesus’ substitutionary atonement and resurrection (Romans 5:8).

2. Defend Sound Doctrine:

   • Be equipped to identify and refute heresies about Christ (1 Peter 3:15).

3. Grow in Worship:

   • Worship Christ for who He is and what He has done (Revelation 5:12).

4. Live Christlike Lives:

   • Imitate Christ’s humility, love, and obedience (Philippians 2:5-11).

5. Proclaim Christ Boldly:

   • Share the gospel, proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior (Acts 4:12).

Conclusion

Christology provides a rich and essential understanding of Jesus Christ’s person and work. He is the eternal God who became man to save humanity. Through His death, resurrection, and ongoing ministry, He fulfills God’s redemptive plan. As Bible students, embracing the truths of Christology strengthens our faith and equips us to live and minister effectively for His glory.