In this episode of Christ the Center, Daniel Ragusa leads us in a consideration of nativity through the lens of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology. As this season prompts reflection on the incarnation of Christ, this conversation explores the eight aspects of the nativity highlighted by Vos, including its linguistic and redemptive-historical continuity, non-political and gracious character, eschatological significance, and missional scope. Along the way, we examine how Vos’s insights foster a deeper sense of wonder and worship, connecting the nativity to God’s covenantal promises and his grand redemptive plan.

Whether you’re a student of biblical theology or seeking to enrich your understanding of the nativity, this episode offers profound insights and a timely celebration of the wonder of Christ’s coming. Listen in for a thought-provoking conversation that ties the nativity to the broader redemptive narrative and stirs your heart to worship this season.

Chapters

00:00:00 Sponsor: Five More Talents
00:01:04 Introduction
00:13:17 Vos on the Nativity
00:15:59 Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions
00:26:21 The Structure of Revelation regarding the Nativity
00:31:55 Aspects of the Nativity
00:33:36 Organic-Linguistic Continuity
00:35:26 Historical Continuity
00:37:49 The Redemptive Aspect
00:42:16 The Non-Political Aspect
00:46:56 The Aspect of Grace and Obedience
00:56:30 The Eschatological Aspect
01:02:07 The Universal/Missional Aspect
01:06:44 The Supernatural Aspect
01:11:53 Bonus: A Covenantal Aspect
01:14:24 Practical Application
01:22:43 Conclusion

Dan Ragusa | Biblical-Theological Aspects of the Nativity