Chapter 3: Christology
I. The Preexistence of Christ
Scriptural References:
John 1:1–3; 8:58; 12:41; Exodus 3:14; Hebrews 1:8; Colossians 1:17; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 9:6; Genesis 18:1–33; Exodus 3:2–4.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’” (John 8:58)
“His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)
Manifestations of God: Genesis 18
The Angel of the Lord: Exodus 3:2–4
II. The Incarnation of Christ
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father.” (John 1:14)
“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16)
Genealogy of Jesus Christ: Matthew 1:1–16; Luke 3:23–38
Virgin Birth: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:31
Why the Incarnation?
To reveal God’s glory:
“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” (John 1:18)
To sympathize with human weakness:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
To accomplish redemption and eternal salvation:
Romans 8:3–4; Hebrews 2:14
To serve as the perfect example of humanity: (Gospel of Luke)
III. The Dual Nature of Christ — Fully God and Fully Man
Necessity of the two natures:
“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:25)
Scriptural hints of the two natures:
Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:76–79; John 10:18
“The seed of the woman will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)
His suffering shows His humanity; His victory over Satan shows His divinity.
“No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” (John 10:18)
Attributes displayed in the Gospels:
Divine: omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, eternity, power to forgive sins.
Human: hunger, fatigue, thirst, weeping, death.
IV. The Death and Resurrection of Christ
Christ’s death as a perfect man fulfilled redemption.
Christ’s resurrection as perfect God completed salvation.
“He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)
V. The Present Ministry of Christ — The Great High Priest
Hebrews 4:15; 5:6; 7:25
“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:6)
“He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)
VI. The Second Coming of Christ
The Second Coming is the glorious hope of believers.
Daniel 7:13–14; Matthew 25:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18; Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:27–28; John 14:3; Matthew 24; Revelation 20–21.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.” (Matthew 25:31)
“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.” (Acts 1:11)
VII. Old Testament Prophecies Concerning Christ
Seed of the woman: Genesis 3:15
Born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14
Son of God: Psalm 2:7
Descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, from tribe of Judah: Genesis 22:18; 21:12; Numbers 24:17; Genesis 49:10
Descendant of David: Jeremiah 23:5
Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2
Eternal existence: Micah 5:2; Isaiah 9:6–7; 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; Psalm 102:25; Proverbs 8:22–23
Lord: Psalm 110:1
Prophet, Priest, King: Deuteronomy 18:18; Psalm 110:4; 2:6
Judge: Isaiah 33:22
God Himself: Isaiah 7:14
VIII. Prophecies Fulfilled in One Day (Primarily Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53)
Betrayed by a friend (Ps 41:9 → Mt 26:49–50)
Sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12 → Mt 26:15)
Disciples forsook him (Zech 13:7 → Mt 26:31)
Falsely accused (Ps 35:11 → Mt 26:59–61)
Silent before accusers (Is 53:7 → Mt 27:12–19)
Scourged and wounded (Is 53:5 → Mt 27:26)
Struck and spat upon (Is 50:6 → Mt 26:67)
Mocked (Ps 22:7–8 → Mt 27:31)
Crucified (Ps 22:16 → Lk 23:33)
Crucified with thieves (Is 53:12 → Mt 27:38)
Prayed for sinners (Is 53:12 → Lk 23:34)
Friends watched from afar (Ps 38:11 → Lk 23:49)
People shook their heads (Ps 22:7 → Mt 27:39)
Garments divided, lots cast (Ps 22:18 → Jn 19:23–24)
Thirst (Ps 22:15; 69:21 → Jn 19:28)
Given gall and vinegar (Ps 69:21 → Mt 27:34)
Cry of anguish (Ps 22:1 → Mt 27:46)
Heart ruptured (Ps 22:14 → Jn 19:34)
Side pierced (Zech 12:10 → Jn 19:34)
Darkness over the land (Amos 8:9 → Mt 27:45)
No bone broken (Ps 34:20 → Jn 19:33)
Commends spirit to God (Ps 31:5 → Lk 23:46)
Buried in a rich man’s tomb (Is 53:9 → Mt 27:57–60)
IX. Christ Revealed in Every Book of the Bible
Old Testament
Genesis — Seed of the Woman
Exodus — Passover Lamb
Leviticus — Atoning Sacrifice
Numbers — Star out of Jacob, Scepter of Israel
Deuteronomy — Prophet like Moses
Joshua — Captain of the Lord’s Army
Judges — Sword of the Lord
Ruth — Kinsman Redeemer
Samuel — Son of David
Kings — True King of Israel
Chronicles — God of our ancestors
Ezra — Lord of Heaven and Earth
Nehemiah — Rebuilder of broken walls
Esther — Mighty Deliverer
Job — Living Redeemer
Psalms — The Lord my Shepherd
Proverbs — Divine Wisdom
Ecclesiastes — Giver of true satisfaction
Song of Songs — Rose of Sharon
Isaiah — Immanuel
Jeremiah — The Lord our Righteousness
Lamentations — Weeping Prophet
Ezekiel — Glory of God
Daniel — Stone cut without hands
Hosea — One who draws with cords of love
Joel — Outpourer of the Spirit
Amos — Plumb line of righteousness
Obadiah — Righteous Judge
Jonah — God of second chances
Micah — God of Jacob
Nahum — Avenging God
Habakkuk — Giver of hope
Zephaniah — King of Israel
Haggai — Desire of all nations
Zechariah — Pierced One
Malachi — Messenger of the covenant, suddenly entering the temple
New Testament
Matthew — King of the Kingdom of Heaven
Mark — Servant of God
Luke — Perfect Son of Man
John — Eternal Son of God
Acts — Ascended Lord
Romans — God our Righteousness
Corinthians — Risen Lord
Galatians — Deliverer from the law
Ephesians — Head of the Church
Philippians — Supplier of all needs
Colossians — Fullness of God
Thessalonians — Coming Lord
Timothy — Mediator between God and man
Titus — Great God and Savior
Hebrews — Merciful and faithful High Priest
James — Great Physician of the Kingdom
Peter — Spotless Lamb
John’s Epistles — Propitiation for sin
Jude — Lord coming with ten thousands of saints
Revelation — Lion of Judah, Root of David, Bright Morning Star, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End!