Theme: The Bible teaches that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. In the incarnation he became a human being in order to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death on the cross and victorious resurrection from the dead, He accomplished our salvation. By faith in Him, we can now have a relationship with Him and share in His resurrection life.
Outline:
1. The Person of Christ
A. Deity - Necessity of deity
Only an infinite being could pay for the sins of all people for all time
Since only God is perfect, only God could provide a perfect sacrifice.
Biblical evidence - John 1:1, Titus 2:13, 2 Peter 1:1, Philippians 2:6, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:10-12 (The Great I Am), Exodus 3:13-14, John 8:56-59. He forgives sins (Mark 2:5-7). Omniscient (Matthew 28:18-20)
Implicit evidence - Genesis 1:1 (Creation), John 1:3, Hebrews 1:2, Colossians 1:16, 1 Corinthians 8:6. Life Giver (Genesis 2:7, John 1:4, John 5:21. Eternal (Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 1:17)
B. Humanity - Necessity. Since human beings sinned, a human being had to pay the price. Revelation 5:19, Hebrews 2:14-17, Romans 8:3.
Evidence - Docetists deny the humanity of Jesus, said he only appeared to be fully human. John 1:14, 11:35 (emotions), Mark 4:38 (got tired), struggled with his calling (Gethsemane)
2. The Roles of Christ
A. Prophet: Revealing - Luke 4:24, 13:33, Hebrews 1:1-2. A prophet like Moses, who brings the New Covenant. Acts 3:22 (quoting Deuteronomy 18:15)
B. Priest: Reconciling - Priests are mediators. 1 Timothy 2:5. How does Christ mediate? Both priest and sacrifice. Hebrews 9:11-12
He is sinless, so He can offer Himself for our sins. Hebrews 7:26-27
He continually intercedes for us. Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:33-34
Since He is fully human He can relate perfectly to our needs. Hebrews 4:14-15
C. King: Ruling - His role as Christ (Messiah, Anointed One). Genesis 49:10, 2 Samuel 7:14-17. As King He has the power to save. Isaiah 9:1-5, 6-8 (maintains righteousness and justice)
3. The Work of Christ
A. The Incarnation - John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-11. The “kenosis” (emptying or setting aside His attributes). When did He know He was divine? How did Jesus’ divine and human natures interact? He set aside the exercise of His divine nature. He relied on His Father (dependent). Did He call on His own deity? Could He have sinned? Hebrews 4:15. Virginal conception
B. The Life of Christ - We sometimes skip over His life and focus only on His death. His life is critically important. He lived a perfect life, so He could pay the penalty for our sin. 1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21. He provided an example for us to follow. John 13:15 (Service). Suffering (1 Peter 2:21)
C. The Death of Christ: The Atonement - He paid the penalty for our sins. Romans 8:3-4, 1 Peter 2:24. What did His death accomplish?
Atonement - Paid the penalty for sin
Justification - Declared us “acquitted” or “righteous.”
Reconciliation
Redemption - to purchase back
Regeneration - rebirth
Adoption
Sanctification - made holy
D. The Resurrection and Exaltation of Christ
The vindication of His claims. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
The confirmation and “firstfruits” of our resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22