Understanding Christology

 Understanding Christology: The Heart of Christian Faith-Sheba International Churches

Christology is the branch of theology that focuses on the nature, person, and work of Jesus Christ. It is one of the central doctrines of the Christian faith, as it defines who Jesus is and what He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. Christians around the world acknowledge Jesus Christ not just as a historical figure, but as the divine Son of God and the Savior of humanity. In this blog post, we will explore the essential elements of Christology and why understanding them is crucial to living out the Christian faith.

The Person of Jesus: Fully God and Fully Man

At the heart of Christology is the mystery of the person of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. This belief is encapsulated in the doctrine of the hypostatic union—the union of two natures (divine and human) in one person, Jesus Christ.

The Bible affirms the full divinity of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, we read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This Word, which John identifies as Jesus, was not just a great teacher or prophet but is the eternal Son of God, fully participating in the divine essence. Colossians 2:9 further emphasizes this truth: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."

Simultaneously, Scripture also teaches that Jesus was fully human. He experienced birth, growth, hunger, thirst, pain, and death. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Jesus’ humanity is vital because it means He can relate to our struggles and sympathize with our suffering.

Understanding that Jesus is both God and man is crucial. Without His full divinity, He could not accomplish the work of salvation. Without His full humanity, He could not truly represent us or take on our sins.

The Work of Jesus: Savior and Lord

The work of Christ is where the depth of Christology becomes clear. Jesus’ purpose on earth was to fulfill God’s plan of redemption for humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the Christian faith.

• The Atonement: At the core of Jesus’ work is His sacrificial death on the cross. As the perfect and sinless Son of God, Jesus took upon Himself the penalty for our sins. This is what Christians refer to as the atonement—Jesus’ death reconciles humanity with God. As 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”

• The Resurrection: Christ’s resurrection is the ultimate proof of His divinity and the triumph over death. Through His resurrection, Jesus proved His power over sin, death, and the grave. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." His resurrection assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life.

• The Ascension and Lordship: After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and now reigns as Lord over all creation. Acts 1:9-11 describes how Jesus was taken up before the disciples, and an angel declared, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the reigning Lord, interceding for believers and preparing a place for them.

The Implications of Christology for Believers

Christology is not just a theological concept to be discussed in academic circles. It has profound implications for how Christians live their daily lives.

1. Faith in Christ as Savior: Understanding the person and work of Christ is foundational to salvation. To be saved, one must believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for their sins and was raised to life. John 14:6 records Jesus’ words: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” It is through Christ alone that we are reconciled to God and receive eternal life.

2. Christ as Our Example: Jesus not only came to save but also to show us how to live. His humility, love, and obedience to the Father serve as a model for all Christians. Philippians 2:5-8 encourages believers to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,” who, though being in very nature God, humbled Himself by becoming human and dying on the cross.

3. Hope in Christ’s Return: Christology also gives Christians hope. Because Jesus is coming again to restore all things, we live with a sense of expectation. The reality of His second coming fuels our perseverance and hope, knowing that ultimate victory over sin and death is secured in Christ.

4. Worship and Glory to God: Christology is at the heart of Christian worship. Jesus is not merely an inspirational figure but the eternal Son of God worthy of all praise and glory. Revelation 5:12 declares, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Conclusion

Christology is central to understanding the Christian faith. The person and work of Jesus Christ define who Christians are and what they believe. Jesus is not just a man or a prophet but the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human, who came to save humanity through His death and resurrection. For believers, this truth shapes every aspect of their lives, from salvation and worship to how they live in light of His return. Christology isn't just theology; it's the lens through which we see the world and the foundation of our hope in Christ.

Dr. Phil Spears