Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ScopeChristology is the branch of Christian theology that focuses on the study of the person, nature, and work of Jesus Christ. It seeks to understand who Jesus is, both in His divinity and humanity, and His role in the salvation of humankind. This field of study is central to Christian doctrine and has been a subject of theological reflection and debate throughout church history.
Biblical FoundationsThe New Testament provides the primary source for Christological study, offering insights into the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. Key passages include:
·
John 1:1, 14 : "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." This passage affirms the pre-existence and divinity of Christ, as well as His incarnation.
·
Philippians 2:6-7 : "Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This highlights the humility and humanity of Christ, emphasizing His voluntary incarnation.
·
Colossians 1:15-20 : "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation... For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things." This passage underscores Christ's supremacy and His role in creation and reconciliation.
Historical DevelopmentThroughout church history, various Christological heresies have arisen, prompting the need for clarification and doctrinal formulation. Key historical developments include:
·
The Council of Nicaea (AD 325): Addressed the Arian controversy, affirming the full divinity of Christ and producing the Nicene Creed, which states that Jesus is "true God from true God."
·
The Council of Chalcedon (AD 451): Defined the doctrine of the hypostatic union, declaring that Jesus is fully God and fully man, two natures in one person, "without confusion, without change, without division, without separation."
Key Christological TitlesThe New Testament ascribes several titles to Jesus, each reflecting a different aspect of His identity and mission:
·
Messiah/Christ: The anointed one, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies as the Savior and King (
Matthew 16:16).
·
Son of God: Denotes His unique relationship with the Father, affirming His divine nature (
Mark 1:1).
·
Son of Man: A title Jesus frequently used for Himself, emphasizing His humanity and role as the eschatological judge (
Daniel 7:13-14;
Matthew 26:64).
·
Lord: A title of authority and divinity, acknowledging Jesus as sovereign (
Romans 10:9).
The Work of ChristChristology also examines the work of Christ, particularly His atoning death and resurrection:
·
Atonement: Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is central to Christian belief, providing redemption and reconciliation with God. "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" (
1 Peter 2:24).
·
Resurrection: The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating Christ's victory over sin and death. "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said" (
Matthew 28:6).
Contemporary RelevanceChristology remains a vital area of theological inquiry, influencing Christian worship, ethics, and mission. Understanding the person and work of Christ is essential for articulating the Christian faith and engaging with contemporary cultural and religious challenges.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A treatise on Christ; that department of theology which treats of the personality, attributes, or life of Christ.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHRISTOLOGYSeePERSON OF CHRIST.
Library
Christology of the Old Testament
Christology of the Old Testament. <.Christology of the Old Testament
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg. Produced by Charles...
Christology of the Old Testament
Christology of the Old Testament. <.... VOL. I. Hengstenberg'sChristology of
the Old Testament. VOL. I. EDINBURGH: T. & T. CLARK, 38, GEORGE STREET....
The Author's Preface.
Christology of the Old Testament.... The first edition of theChristology, although
the impression was unusually large, had been for years out of print....
The Song of Solomon.
Christology of the Old Testament. <....
Those who First Advanced the Heresy of Artemon; their Manner of...
... trained. Hippolytus informs us that he was orthodox in his theology and
cosmology, but that he was heretical in hisChristology....
The Heresy of the Ebionites.
... clinging to the Jewish idea of the Messiah; and as the Church, in its strife with
Gnosticism, laid an ever-increasing stress uponChristology, the difference...
The Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
Christology of the Old Testament. <....
List of Contents.
Christology of the Old Testament. <....
Translator's Preface.
Christology of the Old Testament. <....
The Eastern Sects: Nestorians, Jacobites, Copts, Armenians.
... The Nestorians hold fast to the dyophysiteChristology of their master, and protest
against the Council of Ephesus, for teaching virtually the Eutychian heresy...
Thesaurus
Christology... which treats of the personality, attributes, or life of Christ. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia.
CHRISTOLOGY. See PERSON OF CHRIST.
...Colossians (1 Occurrence)
... The attack in later years has been chiefly on the ground of vocabulary and style,
the doctrinal position, especially theChristology and the teaching about...
Apocryphal
... This doceticChristology is most prominent in the Acts of John, where we read that
when Jesus walked no footprints were discernible; that sometimes when the...
Christians (13 Occurrences)
General (9 Occurrences)
... This doceticChristology is most prominent in the Acts of John, where we read that
when Jesus walked no footprints were discernible; that sometimes when the...
Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... to begin with the acceptance or rejection of the fact and arrive by logical processes
at like convictions on any fundamental matter in the region ofChristology...
Birth (357 Occurrences)
... to begin with the acceptance or rejection of the fact and arrive by logical processes
at like convictions on any fundamental matter in the region ofChristology...
Christs (2 Occurrences)
Ebionites
... OF EBIONISM 1. Ebionites and Essenes 2. Organization of Ebionites V. EVIDENCE FROM
EBIONISM FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH 1.Christology of the...
Ebionism
... OF EBIONISM 1. Ebionites and Essenes 2. Organization of Ebionites V. EVIDENCE FROM
EBIONISM FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH 1.Christology of the...
Resources
What is Christology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is kenoticism / kenotic theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian Eschatology? | GotQuestions.orgChristology: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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