The Identity of Christ

---

1. Jesus as the Divine Word

• Key Verse: John 1:1-3

  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."

• Explanation: These verses affirm that Jesus (the Word) is eternal and divine, existing with God from the beginning and actively participating in creation. Jesus is not a created being but God Himself, sharing in God’s essence and authority.

2. Jesus as Fully God and Fully Man (The Hypostatic Union)

• Key Verse: John 1:14

  "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

• Key Verse: Philippians 2:6-8

  "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

• Explanation: The hypostatic union is a theological term describing how Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human in one person. This doctrine holds that, in Jesus, two natures—divine and human—are united in a single "hypostasis" or person, without confusion, change, division, or separation. This concept was formally articulated at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD.

  In the hypostatic union:

  • Divine Nature: Jesus is fully God, possessing the full essence and attributes of God. He is co-equal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit.
  • Human Nature: Jesus is fully human, having a body, mind, and soul like all humans. He experienced human emotions, growth, limitations, and physical needs.

  This union allows Jesus to be the mediator between God and humanity, uniquely qualified to reconcile humans to God through His life, death, and resurrection. It is foundational to Christian beliefs about salvation, as only someone who is both divine and human could effectively bridge the gap between God and people.

3. Jesus as the Image of the Invisible God

• Key Verse: Colossians 1:15-17

  "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

• Explanation: Jesus perfectly reveals God to humanity. As the "image of the invisible God," He shows us God’s character, power, and nature in a way that humans can see and understand. He is both the agent and purpose of all creation.

4. Jesus as the Son of God

• Key Verse: Matthew 3:17

  "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

• Key Verse: John 10:30

  "I and my Father are one."

• Explanation: Jesus’ identity as the Son of God signifies a unique, intimate relationship with God the Father. His divine sonship confirms His divinity and equality with God, and His statements highlight His unity with the Father.

5. Jesus as the Savior of the World

• Key Verse: John 3:16-17

  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

• Explanation: Jesus’ primary mission on earth was to provide salvation for humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He offers eternal life to all who believe. Jesus’ role as Savior underscores both His love and His redemptive power.

6. Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life

• Key Verse: John 14:6

  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

• Explanation: Jesus identifies Himself as the exclusive path to God. By declaring that He is "the way, the truth, and the life," Jesus shows that only through Him can one attain true knowledge of God and eternal life.

7. Jesus as the Lamb of God

• Key Verse: John 1:29

  "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

• Explanation: Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb who takes away humanity’s sin. This role points to His work of atonement on the cross, where He bore the sins of the world, fulfilling the role of the Passover lamb and offering reconciliation between God and humanity.

8. Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life

• Key Verse: John 11:25-26

  "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

• Explanation: Jesus declares Himself to be the source of both resurrection and eternal life, demonstrating His authority over life and death. His resurrection power assures believers of their future resurrection and life with God.

9. Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords

• Key Verse: Revelation 19:16

  "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

• Explanation: Jesus’ ultimate authority is emphasized here as the ruler over all. His kingdom is everlasting, and He will reign supreme, highlighting His divine sovereignty and fulfillment of God’s promises.

---

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways does each of these aspects of Jesus’ identity affect your understanding of who He is?
2. How does the truth of Jesus’ dual nature (fully God and fully man) impact your view of salvation?
3. How does knowing that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" shape your faith and actions?
4. In what ways does understanding Jesus as King and Savior give you hope for the future?

---

This lesson reveals Jesus’ identity through key biblical insights, affirming His divine and human natures, His unique relationship with God, and His role in salvation and eternal authority.