2-Minute Theology - TRINITY BIBLE CHURCH

The Humanity of Christ: Part 22 - A Human Nature Is Not A Sin Nature

12/23/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 22 - A Human Nature Is Not A Sin Nature

While Jesus was one hundred percent human does not necessitate Him possessing a sin nature. When God created humanity, they did not possess a sin nature. A sin nature was inherited at the time of the Fall. Because Adam sinned as the head or representative of the human race, the sin nature is passed down through the male progenitor.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— - Romans 5:12

That Jesus was virgin born guarantees that He did not inherit a sin nature. Furthermore, Jesus is still one hundred percent God. Thus, Christ has two natures — one human and one divine. These two natures are intertwined in one Person, the God-man. These two natures cannot be separated. They are forever fused.

Jesus’ divine nature cannot sin. First, Jesus is immutable; that is, He does not change.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. - Hebrews 13:8

Second, Jesus is omnipotent or all powerful.

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. - Hebrews 1:3a

The ability to sin would imply that Jesus is powerless against temptation. Third, Jesus is omniscient.

and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. - John 2:25

Sin is deceptive. For sin to be deceptive, one would have to be ignorant of truth or facts. Jesus is all-knowing means Jesus cannot be deceived by sin. Since Jesus’s divine nature is not able to sin, so His human nature is not able to sin.

The Humanity of Christ: Part 20 - The Eternal God-Man

12/19/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 20 - The Eternal God - Man

At the incarnation, Christ entered into a state of humanity, while retaining His deity. While Jesus remains the God-Man for all eternity, at His Resurrection, His human body was changed.

having become (gínomai) as much better then angels, - Hebrews 1:4

The participle having become (gínomai) means to be or exist in a particular state or condition. Some translations render having become as being made. However, this leads to a false doctrine that the Son was created.

Having become means that there was a change to Christ's body. The change of body does not mean that Christ ceased to be human. His body is still flesh and blood. Previously, Christ’s human body was able to die, now His body is eternal. Redeemed believers’ will receive a similar body at the Rapture.

For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. - 1 Corinthians 15:53

Several other changes to Christ’s body are noted in Scripture. One, He could enter closed rooms.

So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst. - John 20:19

Two, Christ could bodily disappear.

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. - Luke 24:30-31

Three, His body could enter in Heaven.

And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. - Acts 1:9

Four, Christ’s body radiated glory.

I saw one like a son of man… His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. - Revelation 1:12-16

The Humanity of Christ: Part 19 - The Kenosis, the Theanthropic Person

12/16/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 19 - The Kenosis, The Theanthropic Person

The union of Christ’s two undiminished natures results in Him being the Theanthropic Person or God-man. J.J. Müller stated, “At His incarnation He remained ‘in the form of God’ and as such He is Lord and Ruler over all, but He also accepted the nature of a servant as part of His humanity.” (1)

Again, John Walvoord stated, “Though Christ sometimes operated in the sphere of His humanity and in other cases in the sphere of His deity, in all cases what He did and what He was could be attributed to His one Person. Even though it is evident that there were two natures in Christ, He is never considered a dual personality.” (2)

It is essential to underscore that Christ was not merely indwelling a human being. He was one-hundred percent God while being one-hundred percent man. Both of these natures were necessary for Christ to accomplish humanity’s redemption. As God, Christ’s death had infinite value to cover the sins of all humanity. As man, Christ represented fallen humanity as its sacrifice for sin. If He was not fully human, then His death on the cross, for sin, was an illusion. Though fully human, Christ did not possess a sinful, fallen nature.

You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. - 1 John 3:5

ENDNOTES:

J. J. Müller, The Epistles of Paul to the Philippians and to Philemon (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.), 82.
John F. Walvoord, Jesus Christ Our Lord (Chicago, IL: Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, 1975), 112.

The Humanity of Christ: Part 18 - Forms of God & Bondservant, the Likeness of Man

12/16/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 18 - The Kenosis, Forms Of God & Bondservant, The Likeness Of Man

who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. - Philppians 2:6-8

Before His incarnation, Christ existed in the form of God (cf. Philippians 2:6). The term exists (hupárchō) communicates the idea of a person’s continuous state or condition. The term form (morphḗ) denotes nature or character. Hence, Christ’s continuous nature and character were God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1

Having the nature and character of God, Christ did not consider being equal with God something to be grasped (harpagmós). Grasped (harpagmós) refers to something seized or stolen. In other words, Christ’s equality with God was rightly His. Equality (ísos) is to have the same quality, value, or measure as another being. Christ did not steal or take deity upon Himself. Christ was divine from all eternity.

At His incarnation, Christ took the form of a bondservant. Again, the term form (morphḗ) denotes nature or character. Taking (lambánō) is to enter into a specific condition or state. Christ existed for all eternity as God, but at a point in time, He entered into the state of being a bondservant. Becoming a bondservant is the beginning of Christ’s self-humiliation. This self-humiliation involved taking on a state positionally was less than the angels.

But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. - Hebrews 2:9

Upon entering into this new state, Christ was made in the likeness of men. Being made (gínomai) is to assume a specific state or condition. He assumed the likeness of men. Likeness (homoíōma) refers to taking on all the essential characteristics of humanity.

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. - Luke 2:52

The Humanity of Christ: Part 17 - The Kenosis Defined

12/12/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 17 - The Kenosis Defined

The addition of a human nature without a lost or diminishing of divine nature involves the kenosis. Kenosis is the doctrine of Christ’s self-emptying at His incarnation.

who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. - Philippians 2:6-8

The term emptied (kenóō) means to divest oneself of something. Some have claimed that Christ emptied Himself of His deity. Others claim that He exchanged His deity for humanity. However, Scripture states that in Christ, “all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form (cf. Colossians 2:9).”

Christ’s self-emptying was a divesting Himself of His privileges. First, He divested Himself of His heavenly glory.

Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. - John 17:5

Second, Christ divested Himself of His authority.

I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. - John 5:30

Third, He divested Himself of His eternal riches.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9

Fourth, Christ divested Himself of His relationship with the Father.

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? - Matthew 27:46

The Humanity of Christ: Part 16 - The Hypostatic Union, Proofs Six and Seven

12/12/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 16 - The Hypostatic Union, Proof Six And Seven

There are seven proofs from the Old Testament that Christ exists as both God and man.

The first proof from Psalm 2:7 establishes that Christ in the flesh is the Second Person of the Godhead seated at the Father’s right hand. The second proof from 2 Samuel 7:14 establishes that Christ in the flesh is both the Son of God and the Heir of David, who will reign. The third proof from Psalm 97:7 establishes that Christ will return as God in human flesh. The fourth proof from Psalm 104:4 establishes that Christ created angels and that they continue to serve Him as both God and man. The fifth proof from Psalm 45:6-8 establishes Christ deity and authority are forever.

The six proof is from Psalm 102:25-27 — “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of Your hands; They will perish, but You remain; And they all will become old like a garment, And like a mantle You will roll them up; Like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end,”

Initially, this statement was applied to God the Father, but Paul applies it to God the Son. Hence, he presents the Son as Creator — in the beginning, the Son created the earth and the heavens. Though the created realm is temporal, Jesus is eternal. As a garment, the created realm changes and wears out, but Jesus is immutable.

The seventh proof is from Psalm 110:1 — “Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies A footstool for Your feet.” Here, the equality between the Father and Son is emphasized. The Son’s redemptive work is complete, and He is sitting to the right of His Father, the King. One who sits as the right hand of the king is equal to the king.

The Humanity of Christ: Part 15 - The Hypostatic Union, Proof Five

12/9/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 15 - The Hypostatic Union, Proof Five

Paul provides seven proofs that Christ is both God and man from the Old Testament, in Hebrews 1:5-14.

The first proof is from Psalm 2:7. It establishes that Christ in the flesh is the Second Person of the Godhead seated at the Father’s right hand. The second proof is from 2 Samuel 7:14. It establishes that Christ in the flesh is both the Son of God and the Heir of David, who will reign. The third proof is from Psalm 97:7. It establishes that Christ will return as God in human flesh. The fourth proof is from Psalm 104:4. It establishes that Christ created angels and that they continue to serve Him as both God and man.

The fifth proof is from Psalm 45:6-8 — “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions.” This proof emphasizes Jesus’ deity and authority. Jesus is God, and His throne or authority is forever. The scepter is an Old Testament allusion that the Seed-Son, who came through Abraham, Judah, and David would be King.

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. - Genesis 49:10
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth. - Numbers 24:17

Furthermore, God anointed Jesus above His companions. His companions are the angels. The anointing referred to is the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which occurred at His baptism.

You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him - Acts 10:38

The Humanity of Christ: Part 14 - The Hypostatic Union, Proofs Three and Four

12/9/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 14 - The Hypostatic Union, Proofs Three And Four

Paul provides seven proofs that Christ is both God and man from the Old Testament, in Hebrews 1:5-14.

The first proof is from Psalm 2:7. It establishes that Christ in the flesh is the Second Person of the Godhead seated at the Father’s right hand. The second proof is from 2 Samuel 7:14. It establishes that Christ in the flesh is both the Son of God and the Heir of David, who will reign.

The third proof is from Psalm 97:7 — “And let all the angels of God worship Him.” The text is prophetic of the Son at the Second Coming. Jesus will return in the same manner in which He departed — in human flesh.

This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven. - Acts 1:11

When Jesus returns, He will come in judgment, and the angels will worship Him. That angels worship Christ at His return demonstrates that He is still divine.

The fourth proof is from Psalm 104:4 — “Who makes His angels winds, And His ministers a flame of fire.” The terms winds and fire are metaphors for angels. The term ministers (leitourgós) refers to one who works in the service of a deity. It is a term that depicts religious service or devotion. That Christ makes these angels and ministers indicates that He created them. Hence, angels are servants, whereas Jesus is Lord. Angels continue to serve Christ, even in Him humanity, demonstrating that He is still divine.

The Humanity of Christ: Part 13 - The Hypostatic Union, Proof Two

12/5/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 13 - The Hypostatic Union, Proof Two

Christ is one hundred percent God while also one hundred percent human. Paul provides seven proofs from the Old Testament, in Hebrews 1:5-14, that demonstrate that the Christ maintained His divine nature while also having a human nature.

The first proof is from Psalm 2:7 —“You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” It establishes that Christ in the flesh is the Second Person of the Godhead seated at the Father’s right hand.

The second proof is from 2 Samuel 7:14 — “I will be a Father to Him And He shall be a Son to Me.” This quote comes from the Davidic Covenant made between God and David, which establishes an heir that will reign from David’s throne forever. Thus, Paul uses this quote to establish Jesus, the Son of God as the Heir of David, who will reign (Isaiah 9:6-7).

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:6-7

Additionally, the titles of Father and Son establish the relationship between the First and Second Person in the Godhead. These two titles reveal the unique relationship that exists between them. No angel has ever enjoyed such a relationship as the one between the Father or the Son.

The Humanity of Christ: Part 12 - The Hypostatic Union, Proof One

12/5/2020

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 12 - The Hypostatic Union, Proof One

The hypostatic union is the means by which Christ maintained His divine nature while taking on a human nature. Paul provides seven proofs from the Old Testament, in Hebrews 1:5-14, that demonstrate that the Christ maintained His deity after the Incarnation (Hebrews 1:5-14).

The first proof is from Psalm 2:7 —“You are My Son, Today I have begotten You,” is from Psalm 2:7. The Father quoted this statement at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration.

and a voice came out of the heavens: You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased. - Mark 1:11
Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, This is My beloved Son, listen to Him! - Mark 9:7

It declares Jesus’ sonship and relationship to the Father. No angel has ever enjoyed such a relationship with the Father. Angels are referred to as sons of God.

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. - Job 1:6
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. - Job 2:1
When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy? - Job 38:7

The term sons, however, means to be directly created by God. Calling Jesus a Son expresses the voluntary submission of the Second Person to the First Person of the Godhead.

The term begotten (gennáō) should not be confused with only begotten (monogenḗs). Only-begotten (monogenḗs) means to be unique and without equal. It has nothing to do with birth. The term begotten (gennáō) means to bring forth. The idea of the phrase, “Today, I have begotten you,” refers to the day, which God brought forth the Messiah and sat Him at His right hand. That was the day that God brought forth the Son, as the Davidic heir, who will reign over the whole earth.

Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. - Psalm 2:8