...it's application to your life. So I'm a big believer in Biblical Counseling. That is what I have a degree in; well sort of. (its not a long story, but its a story that I can make sound really long and terrible) Anyway, all that means is that I am really interested in how the Bible/Theology applies to the every day life of the believer. While teaching through the subject of Christology this week, and more specifically the Humanity of Christ, I came across the question of why Jesus had to be human. Good question eh? Easy one to answer too. Go on, take a minute and see how many answers you can come up with.
Anyway, the text that I am using to teach the class (Grudem's Student addition) brought up two major reason why Christ had to be a human just like you and I. 1) Representative obedience: that means that in order for Christ to be the representative for any human beings, he had to be one. I used the example of electing someone from SC to go and serve in congress as a rep for Arkansas. It wouldn't work, because they weren't from Arkansas and have no idea what it is like or what they need or anything like that... they can represent a group they don't belong to. Same is true of Christ. In order to be the 2nd Adam and represent and stand as a rep for any human being he had to belong to that group. Your salvation depends on his humanity. 2) Substitutionary Sacrifice: God is just, equal, fair, and righteous. If he is going to trade one thing for another, then it has to be of equal value. Paul reminds us in Romans that our lives are required of us when we sin. I sinned, so I earned death. The payment God demands is one human life. Therefore if something is going to be a substitute for me, it has to be equal payment. A Human life for a Human life. Again, if Christ isn't truly human, then your salvation is worthless. The terrible price that is required for your transgressions has not yet been paid, and you are still left to fill the debt. All of the sudden, something so simple, so taken for granted, so... forgot about is so HUGE!! If Jesus isn't a real human being just like you and I, we're all in for one terrible eternity!
But he was human! AMEN! Thank you God! Now when I read Hebrews 4:14-16 I can find a whole new reason to be thankful! The applications that come from knowing that Jesus was a human exactly like you and I (before His resurrection) seem endless, don't they?! Thankfulness: i don't have to pay the penalty of sin. Encouragement in Temptation: Jesus knows what it means to feel the pressure of a sin weighing down on you. Boldness: When i go before the throne, my High Priest knows me and what it is like to live in my world. He lived in it! Go read, study, apply, live, and glorify.
But there's always that one nagging question... Was it even possible?
Anyway, the text that I am using to teach the class (Grudem's Student addition) brought up two major reason why Christ had to be a human just like you and I. 1) Representative obedience: that means that in order for Christ to be the representative for any human beings, he had to be one. I used the example of electing someone from SC to go and serve in congress as a rep for Arkansas. It wouldn't work, because they weren't from Arkansas and have no idea what it is like or what they need or anything like that... they can represent a group they don't belong to. Same is true of Christ. In order to be the 2nd Adam and represent and stand as a rep for any human being he had to belong to that group. Your salvation depends on his humanity. 2) Substitutionary Sacrifice: God is just, equal, fair, and righteous. If he is going to trade one thing for another, then it has to be of equal value. Paul reminds us in Romans that our lives are required of us when we sin. I sinned, so I earned death. The payment God demands is one human life. Therefore if something is going to be a substitute for me, it has to be equal payment. A Human life for a Human life. Again, if Christ isn't truly human, then your salvation is worthless. The terrible price that is required for your transgressions has not yet been paid, and you are still left to fill the debt. All of the sudden, something so simple, so taken for granted, so... forgot about is so HUGE!! If Jesus isn't a real human being just like you and I, we're all in for one terrible eternity!
But he was human! AMEN! Thank you God! Now when I read Hebrews 4:14-16 I can find a whole new reason to be thankful! The applications that come from knowing that Jesus was a human exactly like you and I (before His resurrection) seem endless, don't they?! Thankfulness: i don't have to pay the penalty of sin. Encouragement in Temptation: Jesus knows what it means to feel the pressure of a sin weighing down on you. Boldness: When i go before the throne, my High Priest knows me and what it is like to live in my world. He lived in it! Go read, study, apply, live, and glorify.
But there's always that one nagging question... Was it even possible?
1 comment:
"we do not have a high priest who cant sympathize with sinners..."
amen.
practically, one application that can be drawn from this among believers is that we are to rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are weeping [rom 12] b/c identification nurtures relationship. in the gospel, Jesus identifies with sinners. he became like them. that causes me to trust him. i love that. how can you not write blogs when you're teachin christology. hek yes!
remember to let me borrow that NT Wright thing from NBC or whatnot. shalom.
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