What is Docetism?

Imagine attending a church where the teaching insists that Jesus only appeared to have a human body, but in reality, He was purely divine, without any true human flesh. Such a belief, known as Docetism, challenges the very foundation of Christian doctrine concerning the nature of Christ. Let’s explore the origins, teachings, and refutation of this early heresy.

The Origins and Teachings of Docetism

Docetism comes from the Greek word “dokein,” meaning “to seem” or “to appear.” This heresy emerged in the early Christian centuries, primarily within the Gnostic movements, which emphasized the spiritual realm over the material.

Docetists argued that Christ’s physical body was an illusion and that His sufferings and crucifixion were merely apparent, not real. They maintained that the divine Christ could not have truly become incarnate, as the material world was considered corrupt and evil. Therefore, Jesus only appeared to be human but was, in essence, entirely divine and spiritual.

Refutation from a Reformed Perspective

From a Reformed theological perspective, Docetism is a grave error as it undermines the essential truth of the Incarnation, which is foundational to the Christian faith.

1. The Incarnation: The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. John 1:14 states, “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 verse affirms that the eternal Word (Jesus) took on real human flesh and lived among people.
2. Christ’s Humanity: Jesus’ genuine humanity is evidenced throughout the Gospels. He experienced hunger (Matthew 4:2), fatigue (John 4:6), sorrow (John 11:35), and physical suffering (John 19:1-3). Hebrews 2:17-18 emphasizes His shared humanity: “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. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
3. The Atonement: The doctrine of the Atonement is rooted in the reality of Jesus’ physical death and resurrection. If Jesus did not truly possess a human body, His sacrificial death on the cross would be meaningless. Hebrews 9:22 states, “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” The shedding of real, human blood was necessary for the forgiveness of sins.
4. Resurrection: Jesus’ bodily resurrection is central to the Christian faith. After His resurrection, He appeared to His disciples, who touched His wounds and saw Him eat (Luke 24:39-43; John 20:27). These accounts confirm that His resurrection was not just a spiritual event but involved His physical body.

Practical Application

Understanding and rejecting Docetism is crucial for maintaining a sound Christology. Here are some practical steps:

1. Affirm the Full Humanity and Divinity of Christ: In your personal faith and teaching, consistently affirm that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. This truth is essential for a correct understanding of the Incarnation, Atonement, and Resurrection.
2. Study the Creeds: Familiarize yourself with the historic creeds of the church, such as the Nicene Creed and the Chalcedonian Definition, which affirm the true humanity and divinity of Christ. These creeds provide a valuable summary of orthodox Christian belief.
3. Engage in Robust Bible Study: Regularly study Scripture passages that highlight the humanity and divinity of Christ. Reflect on the significance of His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. This will deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith.
4. Guard Against Modern Errors: Be aware of contemporary teachings that may subtly deny the full humanity or divinity of Christ. Stay grounded in sound doctrine and be prepared to refute errors with Scriptural truth.

Conclusion

Docetism is an early heresy that denied the true humanity of Christ, asserting that He only appeared to have a human body. This error undermines the core doctrines of the Incarnation, Atonement, and Resurrection. By affirming the full humanity and divinity of Christ, studying historic creeds, engaging in robust Bible study, and guarding against modern errors, we can uphold the truth of the Gospel and grow in our faith.