Bulletin Notes (6/6/21): "Behold, the Man!"

 

“ECCE HOMO!” (“Behold, the Man!”)

(Sunday, June 6, AD 2021; Pastor Terry L. Reese)

 

I. Christology: The Doctrine of Christ.

A. Biblical Christology: Affirms that Jesus Christ is both truly & fully God and truly & fully man, having two complete and distinct natures joined in one Person.

B. Heretical Christology: typically rejects or else reduces either His Deity or else His Humanity, or misunderstands the relationship and union of the two Natures.

 

II. Historic errors regarding the Humanity of Christ.

A. Gnosticism (Docetic Theory) denied His genuine humanity. He only appeared to be human (cf., 1 John 4:2-3; 2 John 7).

B. Apollinarianism reduced His Humanity. Jesus was only partially human (i.e., the Logos replaced a rational human soul).

 

III. The Humanity of Christ: genuine & complete.

A. Straightforward, direct Scriptural testimony.

(Matt. 1:1; Mark 6:3; John 1:14, 5:27, 8:40; I Tim. 2:5; 1 Cor. 15:21)

 B. In Christ we see all of the distinctive marks of a true humanity.

1. He began earthly life as a babe, like other men (Luke 2:5, 12).

2. He grew & developed as a true human being (Luke 2:40, 52).

3. He displayed the emotions found in a normal human being (Isa. 53:3; Matt. 26:38; Mark 3:5; Luke 10:21, Luke 22:44; John 11:35, 12:27).

4. He displayed normal human appetites (Matt. 4:2, John 19:28).

5. He displayed certain human limitations (Matt. 8:24, 24:36; Mark 11:13; Luke 22:43; John 4:6). These limitations reflect the Self-emptying of Christ, or kenosis (Phil. 2:5-8).

6. He had the appearance of a human being (John 1:10, Phil. 2:8).

7. His humanity is seen in His suffering & death (John 1:10).

Note: He had a Human Spirit (contra Apollinarianism)!

 

Summary: He had all of the essential characteristics of a true human being, but was without sin (Heb. 4:15).*

 

*Question: “To err is human.” Can one be sinless, yet human?

Answer: His lack of a sin nature does not minimize nor negate His genuine humanity. Sin is an abnormality—it is not an essential, vital, nor permanent component of human nature. Adam was originally without sin—and ultimately so will every glorified saint!