Jesus: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord? (Incarnation and Christology)
Feb 6, 2025
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The discussion dives deep into Christology, exploring how modern culture perceives Jesus as either a liar, lunatic, or Lord. The significance of the virgin birth is emphasized, linking it to Jesus's dual nature as fully God and fully man. The speakers clarify the essentials of Christ's roles as prophet, priest, and king, highlighting historical creeds' importance in understanding His identity. They also tackle theological errors like Arianism and Docetism, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of Jesus's profound nature.
The podcast emphasizes C.S. Lewis's trilemma, challenging listeners to confront whether Jesus is a liar, lunatic, or Lord based on His self-claims.
The discussion of Christology highlights the essential understanding of Jesus's dual nature as both fully divine and fully human, critical for salvific faith.
Deep dives
The Deep Discipleship Program
The Deep Discipleship Program is introduced as a new 24-session theological discipleship initiative intended for local churches. This program aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of core Christian doctrines through small groups, youth groups, and community ministry settings. It is designed to equip participants to explore essential theological concepts in an approachable manner, fostering a solid foundation in biblical teachings. The program emphasizes practical application, ensuring that participants can integrate their learning into everyday life.
C.S. Lewis's Trilemma
The discussion highlights C.S. Lewis's famous trilemma concerning Jesus Christ, asserting that he can only be classified as one of three things: a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. This contention underscores the necessity of recognizing Jesus's self-claims, which transcend the label of merely being a great moral teacher. Current cultural perceptions of Jesus are analyzed, revealing a trend where even evangelicals sometimes regard Him as a great teacher without acknowledging His divinity. It is essential to confront these misconceptions and affirm that Jesus's identity is far more complex and significant than simplistic interpretations allow.
Cultural Perspectives on Jesus
The conversation explores how cultural attitudes toward Jesus are shifting, with many now viewing Him as a moral example rather than grappling with His claims of divinity. There is an observed movement away from labeling Jesus as a liar, toward perceptions that paint Him as a benign lunatic or simply a moral guide. This shift raises concerns about the authenticity of faith, as even those within evangelical circles express uncertainty about Jesus's divine nature. As secular values challenge traditional Christian beliefs, the discussion emphasizes the importance of articulating the true identity of Jesus amidst evolving societal views.
Essence of Christology
A comprehensive examination of Christology delves into the essential nature of Jesus as both fully divine and fully human. Key biblical texts, such as those from the Gospel of John and Colossians, affirm Jesus’s unique position as the incarnate Word of God, who existed from the beginning and was directly involved in creation. The discussion engages with various heretical views and clarifies misconceptions about Jesus’s nature, emphasizing His status as the rightful heir of all things and His active role in human redemption. By understanding Jesus’s multifaceted identity, believers can articulate a more complete understanding of their faith and its implications for salvation.
Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss a core doctrine of the Christian faith; Christology.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
What is the common approach to Jesus in our cultural moment?
Where should someone start if they want to dive deep into the question of who is Jesus?
What about when Colossians 1 calls him the “firstborn?”
What are the essentials of Christology?
What are the implications of leaning into one of the natures of Jesus?
In the creeds (Athanasian, Apostles, Nicene, Chalcedon) they focus on clarifying who, what, and how Christ is. Why this intense focus so early on?
How does Christ perfectly fulfill the three offices of prophet, priest, and king?
Helpful Definitions:
Logos: The word.
Σκηνόω: Skénoó: To dwell, to tabernacle, to pitch a tent.
Arianism: The false view that Jesus, the Son of God, is the first created being.
Πρωτότοκος: Prototokos: First-born, eldest.
Communication of Attributes: We communicate from the two natures; the divine nature and the human nature to the one person Jesus Christ. Anything you can say about God you can say about Jesus, anything you can say about humanity, except sin, you can say about Jesus.
Docetism: The false belief that Jesus’s humanity was a figment or presentation, not a true human nature.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
John 1, Genesis 1, Hebrews 1, Colossians 1, Philippians 2
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