THE PERSON OF CHRIST His Humanity and His

THE PERSON OF CHRIST His Humanity and His Deity

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Virgin Birth- Scripture is clear that Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary and was the work of the Holy Spirit and not of a human father. § Matthew 1: 18 - “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit. ” § Matthew 1: 24 -25 - Joseph, “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus. ” § Luke 1: 35 - And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God

HUMANITY OF CHRIST- WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH Reminds us that Salvation comes strictly from God. § It is not a human effort, strictly a work of God. . § Galatians 4: 4 -5 - God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may receive adoption as sons. Made it possible for the uniting of full deity and full humanity in one person. § If God would have sent Jesus a full grown man straight from heaven it would be difficult to see his full humanity. Nor would he have been of the race of Adam. § If God would have sent Jesus through two human parents it would be difficult to see his deity. § God could have chose to do these two ways but it would not be as clear. § However being born of a virgin shows this properly.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST- WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH Virgin Birth also make possible for Jesus to have true humanity without inherited sin. § Remember that inherited sin comes through the male. § Without having a human father this line is interrupted for Jesus. § If Joseph or another man was Jesus’ father than he would have inherited the sin guilt and corruption. Thus he would not be without sin. This aspect of the doctrine of Christ is very important and we must affirm it. § If from the outset of Jesus entering the scene we do not believe than we cannot believe in the rest. § Scripture affirms the virgin birth.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Jesus had a human body § He was born just as all humans are born (Luke 2: 7) § He grew through childhood to adulthood just as other children grow. § Luke 2: 40 -The child (Jesus) grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. § Luke 2: 52 - Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. § Jesus became tired as we do. § John 4: 6 - Jesus, wearied as he was with his journey, sat down beside the well. § Jesus became thirsty. § John 19: 28 - I thirst. § Jesus became hungry. § Matthew 4: 2 - he was hungry § Jesus died (Luke 23: 46)

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Jesus had a human body § Jesus also rose from the dead in a human body. § A body that was made perfect that would no longer be affected by bodily weakness, disease or death. § He demonstrates his real body after his resurrection. § Luke 24: 39 - See my hands and my feet, that is I myself; handle me; and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see what I have. § Also eats broiled fish in Luke 24: 42. § Jesus continues in His body in heaven. § Never does Jesus dismiss His body.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Jesus had a human mind. § He increased in wisdom- Luke 2: 52 § Jesus went through a learning process like other children do. § Learned how to eat, talk, write, read, and how to be obedient to his parents. § Similar to what every child has to do. § Sees Jesus use of His mind discussing His 2 nd coming in Mark 12: 32, But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Jesus had a soul § Just before his crucifixion, Jesus said, “Now is my soul troubled. ” (John 12: 27) § Matthew 26: 38 - My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Jesus had human emotions § He marveled at the faith of the centurion (Matt. 8: 10) § He wept with sorrow at the death of his friend Lazarus. (John 11: 35) § He prays with a heart full of emotion: Hebrews 5: 7 - in the days of flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear. § Even in the midst of all these emotions Jesus still never sins. (Hebrews 4: 15)

HUMANITY OF CHRIST People near Jesus saw Him as only a Man § Matthew 13: 53 -58 § Jesus lived such like other people that most people did not recognize Him as God. § Jesus own brothers did not know Him. § Those who had known Him for so many years still do not see Him as God in the flesh. § Even though He had performed so many mighty miracles. § We know this is the way Jesus wanted it. For the time for His full deity to be revealed was later.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Jesus was sinless § Jesus was without sin and never sinned during his life on earth. § Some say that since Jesus did not sin he was not fully human. § However, we are in an abnormal situation. § When Adam and Eve were created they were fully human and without sin in the beginning. § Jesus did not fail in this way like Adam and Eve.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST New Testament Verses on Jesus’ sinlessness. § Jesus was unable to be tempted by Satan. Luke 4: 13 § John 8: 46 - Jesus asks, “Which of you convicts me of sin? ” And no one answered. § John 8: 29 - Jesus says, “I am always doing what is pleasing to him” § John 15: 10 - Jesus says, “I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ” § Pilate responds to Jesus while on trial, “I find no crime in him. ” John 18: 38 § Book of Acts often referred to as the “Holy One” or the “Righteous One” § Jesus is the high priest who is “holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. ” (Heb. 7: 26) § Lamb without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1: 19) § He committed no sin (1 Peter 2: 22)

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Why was Jesus full humanity necessary? § For representative obedience. § Adam was our representative in the Garden of Eden and he sinned. § Jesus is called the second Adam and is our representative and has not sinned. (1 Cor. 15) § Romans 5: 18 -19 - So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Why was Jesus full humanity necessary? § To be our substitute sacrifice. § If Jesus had not been a man he could not have died. § If he could not die than he could not be sacrificed for us. § Hebrews 2: 16 -17 - For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. § If God did not become a man He could not be a substitute sacrifice for us.

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Why was Jesus full humanity necessary? § To Be the One Mediator Between god and Men § We were alienated from God. § We need someone to bridge the gap between us, to mediate for us. § 1 Timothy 2: 5 - For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus…

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Why was Jesus full humanity necessary? § To be our example and pattern in life § 1 John 2: 6 - He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. § “Our goal should be to be like Christ all our days, up to the point of death, and to die with unfailing obedience to God, with strong trust in him, and with love and forgiveness to others. Jesus had to become a man like us in order to live as our example and pattern in life. ”

HUMANITY OF CHRIST Jesus will be a man forever. § Acts 1: 11 - who [Angels] also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. ” § Promises to one day drink from the cup with the disciples (Matthew 26: 29) § John sees Jesus in Revelation as “one like a son of man. ” (Rev. 1: 13)

THE DEITY OF CHRIST We must accept from Scripture that Jesus was not only fully man but also fully God. § Not 50/50. § 100% man and 100% God § Jesus was incarnated § “The incarnation was that act of God the Son whereby he took to himself a human nature. ”

THE DEITY OF CHRIST- DIRECT SCRIPTURE CLAIMS The Word for God (Theos) used of Christ. § Isaiah 9: 6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God… § John 1: 1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. § John 20: 28 - Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” § Titus 2: 13 - Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. § Hebrews 1: 8 - [Angels speaking] But of the Son He says, Your throne, O God is forever and ever… § 2 Peter 1: 1 - by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

THE DEITY OF CHRIST- DIRECT SCRIPTURE CLAIMS The word Lord (kyrios) used of Christ. § Lord was often used in the Greek Translation (Septuagint/ LXX) of the Old Testament to stand for God. § Used for God 6, 814 times. § Luke 2: 11 - For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord § Matthew 3: 3 - (John the Baptist speaking) Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. § Hebrews 1: 10 -12 § Used several times throughout the letters to signify Christ as Lord.

THE DEITY OF CHRIST- OTHER STRONG CLAIMS John 8: 58 - Truly, Truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am § Speaking here to the Pharisees. They would know exactly what Jesus was doing. Jesus used the name of God as His name. § John 8: 59 - So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. Revelation 22: 13 - I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. § Sovereign over all creation Title Son of Man- only used to refer to Christ. Reference to Dan. 7 and the Ancient of Days. Son of Man is given rule and dominion. Title Son of God- Used many times to refer to Jesus as God’s Son. § Matthew 17: 5 - While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”

THE DEITY OF CHRIST- EVIDENCE THAT JESUS POSSESSED ATTRIBUTES OF DEITY. Omnipotence- unlimited power § Stills the storm at sea. Matthew 8: 26 -27 § Multiplied the loaves and the fish. Matthew 14: 19 § Changed water into wine. John 2: 1 -11 His eternity § John 8: 58 - Before Abraham was, I am. § Revelation 22: 13 - I am the Alpha and the Omega. Omniscience- all knowing § Knows peoples thoughts. Mark 2: 8 § Sees Nathaniel under the fig tree. John 1: 48 § Knows from the beginning who was going to betray Him. John 6: 64

THE DEITY OF CHRIST- EVIDENCE THAT JESUS POSSESSED ATTRIBUTES OF DEITY. Sovereignty- supreme power § Possessed by God alone § Jesus could forgive sins (Mark 2: 5 -7)- Why the Jews were so upset. § Unlike the Old Testament prophets who had to say, “Thus says the Lord. ” Jesus could say “But I say to you. ” (Matt. 5: 22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44)

THE DEITY OF CHRIST- EVIDENCE THAT JESUS POSSESSED ATTRIBUTES OF DEITY. Worthy of Worship § Philippians 2: 9 -11 - For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. § Revelation 5: 12 - saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

WHY IS JESUS’ DEITY NECESSARY? (GRUDEM, 553) 1. Only someone who is infinite God could bear the full penalty for all the sins of all those who would believe in Him. § Any finite creature would have been incapable of bearing that penalty 2. Salvation is from the Lord and the whole message of Scripture is designed to show that no human being, no creature, could ever save man- Only God himself could. 3. Only someone who was truly and fully God could be the one mediator between God and man, both to bring us back to God and also to reveal God most fully to us.

CHRIST- 100% MAN & 100% GOD Without Christ being fully human and fully God He can not save us from our sins. It is difficult to understand believe, however we are talking of God. “His name is rightly called “Emmanuel, ” that is “God with us” (Matt. 1: 23)”