Christology is the theological study of the person and work of Jesus Christ, focusing on his divine and human natures and his role in salvation. This field of study examines how Jesus can be both fully God and fully man in one person, a concept known as the hypostatic union. By understanding Christology, believers gain a clearer picture of how Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection provide the only means for humanity to be reconciled to God.
The Importance of Defining Jesus Correctly
Understanding Christology is not merely an academic exercise for theologians; it is the foundation of the Christian faith. If we get the person of Jesus wrong, we inevitably get the message of the gospel wrong. The New Testament warns throughout its pages about “false christs” and distorted teachings that lead people away from the truth. Therefore, Christology seeks to answer the most important question Jesus ever asked his disciples: “Who do you say I am?” When we study Christology, we look at the specific claims Jesus made about himself and the testimony provided by the prophets and apostles.
The Bible teaches that Jesus is the eternal Word who existed before the creation of the world. He did not begin his existence in the manger at Bethlehem. Instead, the Second Person of the Trinity took on human flesh to dwell among us. This distinction is vital because it establishes that Jesus possesses the authority of God and the relatability of a human. Without a proper Christological framework, we might view Jesus as just a good moral teacher or a revolutionary prophet. However, the biblical witness demands that we recognize him as the sovereign Lord of the universe.
The Dual Nature of the God-Man
One of the primary pillars of Christology is the doctrine of the two natures of Jesus. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man. This does not mean he is fifty percent God and fifty percent man, or that his divinity swallowed up his humanity. Rather, he possesses two distinct natures perfectly united in one person. His humanity allows him to represent us as a sympathetic high priest, while his divinity allows his sacrifice on the cross to have infinite value.
“The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14)
This passage highlights the reality of the incarnation. Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, and pain, proving his genuine humanity. At the same time, he displayed divine power by forgiving sins, calming storms, and rising from the dead. High Christology emphasizes his deity, while Low Christology focuses on his humanity. A healthy biblical perspective holds both in perfect tension. We must worship him as God while following him as the perfect example of a human life surrendered to the Father.
The Work and Offices of Christ
Christology also explores the specific work that Jesus accomplished during his earthly ministry and what he continues to do today. Historically, the church has described the work of Jesus through three specific offices: Prophet, Priest, and King. As a Prophet, Jesus reveals the truth of God and speaks the words of life to a lost world. As a Priest, he offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin and now intercedes for believers at the right hand of the Father. As a King, he rules over the church and will one day return to establish his kingdom over all the earth.
“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
These roles demonstrate that Jesus is the bridge between a holy God and sinful people. His work on the cross solved the problem of human rebellion by satisfying the justice of God. This branch of study, often called “functional Christology,” looks at the “Christus Victor” aspect of his ministry, where he defeated the powers of sin, death, and the devil. Because of his finished work, the believer is no longer under condemnation but is adopted into the family of God.
Addressing Ancient and Modern Errors
Throughout history, various groups have challenged the biblical view of Jesus. Some, like the Arians, claimed that Jesus was a created being and not eternally God. Others, like the Docetists, suggested that Jesus only “seemed” to be human but was actually a phantom. Modern skeptics often try to separate the “historical Jesus” from the “Christ of faith,” suggesting that the early church invented his divinity. Christology provides the tools to defend the faith against these errors by pointing back to the consistent testimony of Scripture.
The Council of Chalcedon in AD 451 provided a landmark definition that helped the church navigate these difficult waters. It affirmed that Jesus is “recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.” This definition protects the mystery of the incarnation without compromising the biblical data. When we encounter teachings that diminish the deity of Jesus or downplay his physical resurrection, a strong understanding of Christology allows us to stand firm in the truth once for all delivered to the saints.
The Takeaway
In summary, Christology is the study of who Jesus is and what he has done. It confirms that Jesus is the God-man, possessing both a divine nature and a human nature in one person. By examining his roles as Prophet, Priest, and King, we see the magnitude of his mission to rescue humanity. Ultimately, Christology is not just about collecting facts; it is about knowing the person of Jesus Christ intimately so that we can worship him rightly and share his gospel effectively with the world.
