Christology Flashcards
The Kenosis Theory
In the late 19th century, several British and German theologians advocated a new view of the incarnation known as the “kenosis theory” (from the Greek verb κενοω [kenoo] in Phil 2:7, which means “to empty”). According to this theory, Jesus emptied Himself of several divine attributes—such as His omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence—during His time on earth as a man. “This was viewed as a voluntary self-limitation on Christ’s part, which he carried out in order to fulfill his work of redemption” (Grudem).
- The Hypostatic Union
a. “The phrase hypostatic union refers to the combination of Jesus’ two natures in one person (Gk. hypostasis). The phrase does not occur in Scripture, but the church formulated this concept in order to better understand how one person can be both divine and human” (John Frame, Systematic Theology, 887).
- Arianism
a. Jesus had a beginning and is not one in essence with the Father (i.e. he is only called ‘God’ as a title of honor).
- Nestorianism
a. Jesus is two separate persons (human and divine).
- Eutychianism
a. Jesus has only one nature (his human nature having been absorbed into the divine; also known as Monophysitism).
- Docetism
a. Jesus was divine, but only appeared to be human.
- Apollinarianism
a. Jesus was fully God but only partly man (He had a human body, but not a human mind or spirit, which were divine).
- List 5 attributes of Christ that prove His deity and give Scripture references for each.
a. Faithful: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war” (Rev 19:11).
b. Righteous: My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 Jn 2:1).
c. Omniscient: “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3).
d. Merciful: “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life” (Jude 21).
e. Holy: “the holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).
f. Immutable: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb 13:8).
g. Generator (creator): For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Col 1:16).
h. Holds up all (omnipotent): “He upholds the universe by the word of His power” (Heb 1:3).
Jesus is FROM HIGH (faithful, righteous, omniscient, merciful, holy, immutable, generation, holds up all)
- Explain and biblically defend Jesus’s eternal pre-existence. Give Scripture to defend your answer.
a. Jesus’s eternal pre-existence refers to the fact that He was uncreated. He did not come into existence when He was born of Mary. Rather He has always existed before time began.
b. “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am’” (Jn 8:58).
c. John 1:1,15
- List five human experiences of Jesus that support His humanity. Give a Scripture references for each answer. (See class notes)
a. Hunger: “And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry” (Mt 4:2).
b. Weary/Tired (Jn 4:6)
c. Temptation Mt 4:1-11
d. Sleep (Mt 8:24
e. Weeping (Jn 11:35)
Why was the resurrection significant?
a. Necessary for salvation (1 Cor 15:12-19)
b. Confirmed fulfillment of promises made to OT fathers (Acts 13:32-37)
c. Confirmed Jesus deity (Rom 1:4)
d. Proof of the Father’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice (Rom 4:25)
e. Conquered sin and death (Rom 4:25; 1 Cor 15)
f. Guarantees future resurrection for the believer (1 Cor 15:15-20; Phil 3:20-21)
