The doctrine of Jesus Christ being both fully God and fully man is a central tenet of Christian theology known as the hypostatic union. This doctrine asserts that Jesus has two distinct natures, divine and human, united in one person. Understanding how Jesus can be both God and man involves exploring biblical evidence, historical creeds, and theological insights.
Biblical Foundations
1. Jesus’ Divinity
The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is God. Some key passages include:
- John 1:1, 14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This passage establishes that Jesus (the Word) is God and became human.
- Colossians 2:9: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” This affirms that Jesus possesses the fullness of the divine nature in bodily form.
- Hebrews 1:3: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Jesus is described as the exact representation of God’s nature.
2. Jesus’ Humanity
The Bible also teaches that Jesus is fully human. Key passages include:
- John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This highlights the incarnation, where God the Son took on human nature.
- Philippians 2:6-7: “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Jesus willingly took on human form and nature.
- Hebrews 2:17: “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Jesus fully identifies with humanity.
Historical Creeds and Councils
1. The Council of Chalcedon (AD 451)
The Council of Chalcedon addressed the nature of Christ and formulated the Chalcedonian Definition, which affirms:
- Jesus is fully God and fully man.
- He has two natures, divine and human, “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.”
- These two natures are united in one person and one hypostasis (essence).
2. The Nicene Creed (AD 325)
The Nicene Creed, established by the Council of Nicaea, also affirms the divinity of Jesus:
- “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.”
Theological Insights
1. The Hypostatic Union
The hypostatic union is the theological term used to describe the union of Christ’s two natures. This union means:
- Jesus’ divine nature and human nature coexist in one person.
- The divine nature is not diminished by the human nature, nor is the human nature overwhelmed by the divine.
- Jesus experiences human life fully, including growth, emotions, suffering, and death, while also being fully divine.
2. The Kenosis
Philippians 2:6-7 speaks of Jesus “emptying himself.” This does not mean Jesus ceased to be God but that He set aside His divine privileges and took on human limitations. This self-emptying, or kenosis, shows Jesus’ humility and willingness to fully engage in human experience.
3. Mediator and High Priest
Jesus’ dual nature enables Him to be the perfect mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). As fully human, He can represent humanity before God. As fully divine, He can accomplish the work of salvation. Hebrews 4:15-16 states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Practical Implications
1. Assurance of Salvation
Jesus’ divinity ensures His sacrifice is sufficient for the sins of the world, while His humanity ensures He can truly represent us. This gives believers confidence in the efficacy of His atoning work.
2. Relational Understanding
Jesus’ humanity means He understands our struggles and temptations. This makes Him a compassionate and relatable Savior. Hebrews 2:18 notes, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
3. Model for Living
Jesus, as both God and man, provides the perfect example of how to live a life pleasing to God. His life demonstrates obedience, love, and holiness.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ being both fully God and fully man is a profound mystery, yet it is clearly taught in Scripture and affirmed by the historic creeds of the Christian faith. This truth is foundational to understanding the person and work of Christ and has significant implications for our salvation and daily living. Embracing this doctrine deepens our appreciation of Jesus’ unique role in the redemption of humanity and strengthens our relationship with Him.