This paper addresses core questions in Christology, exploring the biblical foundations for Jesus Christ's humanity and divinity as presented in both the Old and New Testaments. Drawing on Elwell's Christology, Wesleyan Theology, and scriptural references, the paper examines how Jesus can be simultaneously God and man (the Hypostatic Union), why the Incarnation was necessary for human salvation, and what dangers arise from overemphasizing or denying either nature. It also surveys common historical objections — including Ebionitism and pagan critiques — and reflects personally on how Christ's humanity serves as a model of advocacy for justice and compassion.
When confronted by someone who claims that Jesus Christ — because he was human — could not also be from God and of God, what should the response be? The questions addressed in this paper explore the theological foundations of Christology: the biblical basis for Christ's humanity and deity, how he can be both simultaneously, why the Incarnation was necessary, and what dangers arise from distorting either nature.
What is the biblical basis for Jesus' humanity? Elwell explains that Christ was "sinless and also utterly different from other men," and that his "true humanity is specifically witnessed to as if it might be called in question" (Christology, 239). He was the Son of God, but he was also human. To demonstrate his humanity, he was invited to dinner with Levi, "along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners" (Mark 2:15). His humanity had also been prophesied in the Old Testament: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him" (Daniel 7:13).
What was the biblical basis for Jesus' deity? While Jesus apparently preferred to refer to himself as the "Son of Man," he was also called the "Son of God," a title described as "messianic" (Christology, 240). The angel declared: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you… the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). In Matthew 7:21 and Mark 11:3, Jesus is referred to as "Lord" because of his "teaching authority," and after his resurrection the title "Lord" was applied to him even more consistently (Christology, 240–41).
Elwell acknowledges that there were denials among some scholars and leaders of the time regarding Christ's dual nature. However, Melito of Sardis and Irenaeus both viewed the biblical record as presenting Christ as simultaneously God and Man. Tertullian was the "first to teach" that the Father and Son are of "one substance." Proof of Jesus being both God and Man appears in Luke 24:36–43: after his resurrection — which only God could accomplish — he "showed his hands and feet" and asked for food, which only a human would need to do. Thus, he could be truly both God and Man.
What does it mean for Jesus to be both God and Man? It means that Christ was indeed the product of God's plan for humanity, and that there can be no doubt regarding his origin — mortal men do not walk on water or feed multitudes by creating food. The metaphysical mystery endures, but "without confusion… one person, Jesus Christ, is truly God and truly man" (Hypostatic Union, 583). It means that a human being touched the people of that era and region with mystical powers while remaining physically like them — the most powerful combination of the spiritual and the worldly ever seen on earth.
The Wesleyan Theology Catechism offers a clear answer to why Jesus needed to become incarnate to save humanity: Jesus had to arrive in human flesh in order to suffer on the cross and die. The sins of humans lead to death; in order to "reverse the curse of the Fall, Jesus took that consequence… He had to be one of us to save us" (Wesleyan Theology).
What are the dangers of overemphasizing or denying either the deity or the humanity of Christ? First, ordinary people outside Christianity are often alienated when someone is too forceful or extreme in their assertions. Second, the evidence is in Scripture itself; there are many passages that detail Christ's life as both man and God. There is no need to go to extremes in either belief or skepticism.
"Why Christ had to become human to save us"
"Risks of doctrinal extremes and historical objections"
"Personal reflection on Christ as justice advocate"
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