Recent Question: Did Jesus stop being God when He became a man?
Some thoughts:
We’re delving into the nuanced question of Jesus’ nature as both divine and human. Scripture offers rich insights into this mystery. Starting with His divinity, Hebrews 13:8 reminds us of Jesus’ consistent nature across time, affirming His eternal divinity. Colossians 2:9 further states that in Jesus, “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,” emphasizing His unceasing divinity in human form. The Gospel of John provides a foundational perspective in John 1:1 and 14, where it declares Jesus as the divine Word who was with God and then became flesh, maintaining His divine essence.
Turning to His humanity, Hebrews 2:17 highlights Jesus’ complete assimilation into the human experience, stating He was made like us “in every respect.” Philippians 2:6-7 reflects on Jesus’ choice to forgo the privileges of divinity to embrace a servant’s form, demonstrating His humility and humanity. The Gospel of John again offers a poignant glimpse into His human emotions, with the shortest yet profound verse, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), underscoring His genuine human experiences.
The theological interpretation of this dual nature comes through the concept of the Hypostatic Union, a term that encapsulates the mysterious yet central Christian belief of Jesus as fully God and fully man, existing in two distinct natures united in one person. This doctrine, deeply rooted in scriptural revelations, was articulated and affirmed by the early church, particularly in the Council of Chalcedon, which described Christ in two natures, “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.”
This understanding is not just a theoretical construct; it has profound implications for Christian faith and life. It suggests that Jesus, in His humanity, fully understands our experiences and emotions, offering empathy and solace. Simultaneously, His divinity assures us of His authority and capacity to bring salvation. This duality is key to the Christian narrative of redemption and is a truth that goes beyond intellectual comprehension, inviting believers to live out this reality daily.
In summary, the doctrine of Jesus as both God and Man, as evidenced in the scriptures, is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It offers a unique blend of divine authority and human empathy, encouraging believers to find comfort in Jesus’ understanding of human struggles and trust in His divine power. This profound mystery is not just for theological exploration but for practical embodiment in the Christian journey.
Amid these profound theological truths about Jesus’ nature as both fully God and fully human, there lies a deeper invitation for believers. It’s an invitation to rest in the mystery and the work of Christ, even when our understanding falls short. This rest is not a passive state but an active trust, fostered by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works within us, nurturing a disposition of faith that transcends mere intellectual assent. This faith is akin to a deep-seated peace, anchoring our minds and souls in the assurance of Christ’s redemptive work. It enables us to navigate the complexities and challenges of life with a grounded confidence, not in our comprehension, but in the steadfast character and promises of God. As we lean into this resting faith, we find ourselves more attuned to the divine presence and guidance in our lives, continually shaped and comforted by the profound truth of Jesus as both our divine Savior and empathetic brother. This is the essence of Christian faith: a journey not just marked by understanding, but profoundly shaped by trusting and resting in the unfathomable depths of God’s love and grace, revealed in Christ through the Spirit.