Brief Answer

Christology is the study of Jesus Christ, focusing on His identity, nature, and work. It seeks to answer questions such as who Jesus is, how He is both fully God and fully man, and what He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. Rooted in Scripture, Christology helps believers understand and worship Jesus as the central figure of God’s redemptive plan.

Understanding Christology from a Biblical Perspective

At its core, Christology explores the identity and mission of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture. The Bible consistently teaches that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, the eternal Son of God who became flesh to redeem humanity.

Key Christological Truths:

1. Jesus Is Fully God: John 1:1-3 affirms that “the Word was God” and that Jesus was present at creation.
2. Jesus Is Fully Human: John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus took on human nature while remaining divine.
3. Jesus Is Savior and Lord: Jesus came to save humanity from sin (Matthew 1:21) and is exalted as Lord over all (Philippians 2:9-11).

Historical Context

Throughout church history, Christology has been central to Christian theology. Early Christians wrestled with understanding and articulating Jesus’ divine and human natures, leading to significant theological debates and clarifications.

Key Moments in Christological History:

• The Early Church: The apostles proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah and divine Son of God, as seen in Peter’s confession: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
• The Council of Nicaea (AD 325): Affirmed Jesus’ full divinity, countering the Arian heresy, which denied that Jesus was fully God.
• The Council of Chalcedon (AD 451): Defined the doctrine of Jesus’ two natures, fully God and fully man, in one person without confusion or separation.

Practical Implications

For Worship:

• Christology shapes how we worship Jesus as both God and Savior. Understanding His divinity and humanity deepens our awe and love for Him.

For Salvation:

• Recognizing Jesus as both fully God and fully man assures believers that He is uniquely qualified to mediate between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). His divinity gives His sacrifice infinite value, and His humanity allows Him to represent us fully.

For Christian Living:

• Christology reminds believers to follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience. Philippians 2:5-8 encourages us to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Theological Depth and Insight

The Person of Christ:

1. Fully Divine: Jesus is the eternal Son of God, sharing the Father’s nature and attributes (Colossians 1:15-20). He performed miracles, forgave sins, and accepted worship, actions that affirm His deity.
2. Fully Human: Jesus experienced hunger, fatigue, and emotions. Hebrews 4:15 assures us that He understands our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, yet without sin.

The Work of Christ:

• Incarnation: Jesus humbled Himself by taking on human flesh (John 1:14).
• Atonement: Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for sin, reconciling humanity to God (Romans 5:8-10).
• Resurrection: Jesus’ victory over death secured eternal life for believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
• Exaltation: Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, interceding for His people (Hebrews 1:3).

Broader Biblical Themes

God’s Plan of Redemption:

Christology reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible points to Jesus as the Savior who restores what was lost through sin.

The Trinity:

Christology connects to the broader doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus, as the second person of the Trinity, is distinct yet fully united with the Father and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

The Kingdom of God:

Jesus’ mission includes establishing God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. He proclaimed this kingdom through His teachings, miracles, and resurrection (Mark 1:15).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in Christology:

• Revealing Christ: The Spirit opens hearts to understand and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior (John 16:13-14).
• Empowering Christ’s Ministry: The Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism, empowering His earthly ministry (Luke 3:21-22).
• Applying Christ’s Work: The Spirit applies the benefits of Jesus’ death and resurrection to believers, regenerating and sanctifying them (Titus 3:5-6).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

Christology remains vital for faith and practice:

• Grounding Faith: A clear understanding of Jesus’ identity and work strengthens believers’ faith in Him.
• Defending the Gospel: Sound Christology equips Christians to respond to false teachings that deny Jesus’ deity, humanity, or saving work.
• Inspiring Discipleship: Knowing who Jesus is motivates believers to live in obedience, love, and service to Him.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Christology reveals the depth of God’s love for humanity. Through Jesus, God entered human history, bore the weight of sin, and made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. John 3:16 captures this beautifully: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s desire to restore us into a loving relationship with Him, giving us hope and eternal life.

Bible Characters

• Peter: Recognized Jesus’ divine identity when he declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
• Thomas: Affirmed Jesus’ deity after the resurrection, exclaiming, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
• Paul: Wrote extensively about Christ’s divinity and work, emphasizing His preeminence in creation and redemption (Colossians 1:15-20).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does understanding Jesus’ divinity and humanity deepen your faith in Him?
2. In what ways does Jesus’ example of humility challenge you to live differently?
3. How can you explain Jesus’ identity to someone who is curious or skeptical about Him?
4. What does the study of Christology reveal about God’s love and plan for your life?

Christology is the heart of Christian theology, helping us know and worship Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world. By understanding who He is and what He has done, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him and equipped to live out our faith with joy and confidence. Jesus is the cornerstone of our hope, the perfect expression of God’s love, and the central figure of redemption.