Daily Service: Wholly God and Wholly Man

By brucesbiblepage on July 22, 2024

Daily Service: Wholly God and Wholly Man

At the core of Christology lies the doctrine that Jesus was not merely a human being, but that He was also fully God. This concept, known as the hypostatic union, reveals the dual nature of Jesus, who transcends the ordinary boundaries of human existence.

The term hypostatic union expresses the dual nature of Jesus as fully God and fully man. In AD 451, the Council of Chalcedon articulated this belief, affirming that Jesus has two distinct natures—divine and human—united in one person without confusion, change, division, or separation. This union remains an unfathomable mystery, stretching the limits of human comprehension.

The New Testament presents Jesus as a historical figure who was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1) and raised in Nazareth (Matthew 2:23). He experienced the full range of human existence: physical limitations, emotions, and temptations. Jesus became hungry (Matthew 21:18), thirsty (John 4:7), fatigued (John 4:6), and sorrowful (Mark 14:34; John 11:35). He also showed compassion to those in need (Matthew 9:36) and experienced the pain of betrayal (Luke 22:1–23). In His humanity, Jesus is a perfect representation of what it means to be human (Romans 5:18–19).

While Jesus is fully human, He is also fully divine. He claimed divine authority (Matthew 28:18), forgave sins (Mark 2:5–12), performed miracles (John 2:1–11), and accepted worship (Matthew 21:9). The New Testament describes Him as the eternal Word of God who became flesh (John 1:1, 14) and gives Him the title "Immanuel," which means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). The statement "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30) affirms Jesus' divine nature, which includes omnipotence (Hebrews 1:1–4), omniscience (John 2:25), and perfection (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The incarnation (literally, "in-flesh") holds overwhelming theological significance for believers. Because Jesus has a dual nature, He can serve as the perfect mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). As fully God, He possesses the divine authority to redeem humanity from sin (Matthew 20:28), conquer death (John 11:25), and reconcile us with God (Colossians 1:19–20). As fully man, He identifies with our struggles and sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Importantly, He is the sacrificial lamb for our sins. (John 1:29), and through His life, death, and resurrection, He secured salvation for all who believe in Him (Hebrews 7:27).

In the person of Jesus, we witness the fullest expression of God's character and nature (Hebrews 1:3). Through His life and teachings, Jesus revealed the heart of God—a heart that is "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). His divine nature gave authority to His teachings (Matthew 7:29), and His human nature made these teachings relatable and applicable to our lives.

Ultimately, the paradox of Jesus being fully God and fully man calls us to a deeper faith in the wisdom of God. It reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Thus, we are invited to embrace the mystery and wonder of who Jesus is rather than attempting to reduce Him to a mere human, prophet, moral teacher, or distant god.

As we contemplate the dual nature of Jesus, let us come before Him with humility and reverence. Let us give thanks for the incredible love that prompted God to become human. In Jesus, we find the perfect revelation of God's nature and the fullest embodiment of His love. May we continue to explore, ponder, and celebrate the divine mystery of the God-man, a mystery that continues to captivate hearts, stir the imagination, and transform lives.

While previous church councils had deliberated over issues about the nature of Christ and His relationship to the Father, it was the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) that affirmed that Christ is "the same perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity, the same truly God and truly man." This statement is not true simply because the council taught it. Rather, the council's declaration was authoritative only insofar as it aligned with what the Bible teaches on the subject. Scripture is clear that Jesus is God (John 20:28; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8), and it is equally clear that He is truly human (Romans 1:2–4; 1 John 4:2–3). Jesus claimed the divine name (John 8:58) and did things that only God can do (Mark 2:1–12; Luke 7:48–50). But Jesus also displayed the weaknesses and vulnerabilities common to humanity (Luke 19:41; John 19:28).

The belief that Jesus is both God and man is of fundamental importance. The apostle Paul wrote that an affirmation of the divinity of Jesus is required to be saved (Romans 10:9), and the apostle John provided a sober warning that those who deny Christ's true humanity are promoting the doctrine of antichrist (2 John 1:7).

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^[3] The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Lk 14:26–27). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

^[4] The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Ex 20:4–5). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

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