Understanding the Life and Nature of Jesus Christ

The life and death of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Gospels, have been the subject of profound theological discussions since the emergence of Christianity. His crucifixion and resurrection are central to Christian belief, yet the nature of Jesus as both a divine being and a man has been a subject of debate. This article explores the theological complexities surrounding Jesus’ dual nature, drawing from diverse sources and scholarly interpretations.

The Man and the Divine Being

Jesus, described as Jesus of Nazareth, was a man who lived and died on the cross. However, He is also revered as a divine being by Christians. The divine aspect of Jesus does not cease to exist when He is crucified; instead, it continues in a celestial form. This divine nature is central to the theological understanding of Jesus as the Word of God, who was with God in the beginning and was God.

It is important to note that the theological doctrine of the Holy Trinity, which includes the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, was developed and officially accepted centuries after the events of the New Testament. The doctrine of the Trinity, as we know it today, is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts and is associated with later theological developments.

Early Christian Writings and Theological Interpolations

One significant example of a later theological addition to the New Testament is the so-called 'Johannine comma' in 1 John 5:7-8, which states, 'For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.' This verse is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts and was first included in Latin translations in the fifth century. It reflects later theological convictions rather than the original text.

Instead, the accepted wording for 1 John 5:7-8 is: 'For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood, and the three are in agreement.'

The Creator and the Son: Not the Same

A foundational belief in Christian theology is that God is a spirit and has no physical form. The concept of the Son, however, involves a divine decision to take on human form. This is evidenced in 1 Timothy 3:16, which states:

'And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.'

The verse highlights that God became manifest in the flesh, indicating a union of the divine and human in Jesus Christ.

God the Creator and God the Son

The creation of the world by God and the existence of Jesus, who is referred to as the Son, are not the same. God the Creator is spirit, and cannot have a physical form. However, Jesus, as the Son of God, took on a physical body. The act of Jesus taking on flesh is described in I Timothy 3:16 as God being 'manifest in the flesh.'

Furthermore, the idea that God sent forth a spirit being to take on a human form, as suggested by the phrase 'he made himself a body and separated his divinity,' reflects the belief that Jesus was both God and human. This dual nature is crucial to understanding the redemptive mission of Jesus.

The New Covenant and The Divine Son

Jesus, as the Second Adam, embodies the new covenant that was established through His life, death, and resurrection. He demonstrates a daily life that is dependent on the Father, embodying the New Covenant reality of being one with God. The concept of 'One' is not simply a numerical reference but a relationship of unity and intimacy between the Father and the Son.

Jesus, as the resurrected King of God's Kingdom on Earth, shows us what it means to be united with God. For those who follow Him, the ultimate vision is to see Jesus as He was before His incarnation as the Firstborn Son of God. This vision implies a return to the divine nature that He shared before taking on human form.

Conclusion

The nature of Jesus as both a divine being and a man is a profound and complex theological mystery. While we have faith in the accounts detailed in Scripture, the complete understanding of how these dual natures work together remains a subject of scholarly and theological inquiry. The belief in Jesus as both the Son of God and a man who died to save humanity is the foundation of Christian belief and practice.