------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christology, #Christ’s_character, #biblical_theology, #Christian_identity, #nature_of_Christ, #divine_attributes, #incarnation, #moral_perfection, #biblical_exegesis, #reformed_theology, #spiritual_formation --- # Christ’s Character **Scripture Reference: [Philippians 2:5-8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.5-8&version=AMP)** The character of Christ is central to the understanding of His person and work in the [[Christian faith]]. His [[divine nature]] and [[human nature]] coalesce in a manner that perfectly reflects the attributes of [[God]] and the moral virtues of humanity in their purest form. The New Testament emphasizes that believers are to pattern their lives after the character of [[Christ]], embodying His humility, love, obedience, and righteousness. This study will delve into the distinct elements of Christ’s character as revealed in Scripture, providing a theological exposition on His divine and human attributes, His role as the [[perfect mediator]], and the practical implications for [[Christian Discipleship]]. --- ## Theological Foundation of Christ’s Character **Scripture Reference: [John 1:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1.14&version=AMP)** The character of Christ is rooted in the doctrine of the [[Incarnation]], where [[Jesus Christ]] took on human flesh without diminishing His [[divine essence]]. This unique union of the [[divine]] and [[human nature]] is known as the [[Hypostatic union]], which is foundational for understanding Christ’s character. In [John 1:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1.14&version=AMP), we read, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This verse highlights several aspects of Christ’s character: ### 1. Full of Grace The term “full of grace” indicates the abundance of [[unmerited favor]] and kindness that characterized [[Christ’s earthly ministry]]. His interactions were marked by compassion, mercy, and a willingness to extend grace to the undeserving. - **Compassionate and Merciful**: Christ’s compassion was most evident in His healing ministry, where He restored the sick and comforted the grieving ([Matthew 14:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14.14&version=AMP)). - **Forgiving Nature**: Christ’s willingness to forgive even those who wronged Him reflects His gracious character, seen powerfully in His words on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” ([Luke 23:34](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23.34&version=AMP)). ### 2. Full of Truth In contrast to mere human virtue, Christ’s fullness of truth signifies His complete integrity and alignment with [[God’s Word]]. He is described as the embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14.6&version=AMP)), whose teachings and actions perfectly correspond to the will of the [[Father]]. - **Moral Purity**: Christ’s adherence to the truth is evident in His unwavering commitment to righteousness and His refusal to compromise with evil. - **Divine Wisdom**: His wisdom surpassed that of all human teachers, reflecting His perfect understanding of [[God’s Law]] and [[God’s Will]] for humanity. ### 3. Humility and Obedience **Scripture Reference: [Philippians 2:5-8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.5-8&version=AMP)** One of the most defining characteristics of [[Christ’s Character]] is His humility. In [Philippians 2:5-8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.5-8&version=AMP), Paul describes how Christ, though being in the form of God, “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” His humility was not merely a lowering of status but a complete submission to the will of the [[Father]] in obedience. - **Servant Leadership**: Christ’s humility is seen in His willingness to serve rather than be served, exemplified by His washing of the disciples’ feet ([John 13:12-15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13.12-15&version=AMP)). - **Obedience Unto Death**: His ultimate act of humility was His obedience to the point of death, even death on a cross, demonstrating His complete submission to the [[Father’s redemptive plan]]. ### 4. Love and Sacrifice **Scripture Reference: [John 15:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15.13&version=AMP)** The love of Christ is the highest expression of His character. In [John 15:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15.13&version=AMP), Jesus states, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” His love is both sacrificial and unconditional, rooted in the [[agape love]] that seeks the good of others above oneself. - **Self-Giving Love**: Christ’s willingness to sacrifice Himself on behalf of sinful humanity is the greatest demonstration of His love ([Romans 5:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5.8&version=AMP)). - **Unconditional Love**: He loved the unlovable, associating with [[sinners]] and outcasts, and calling them to repentance and new life ([Matthew 9:10-13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9.10-13&version=AMP)). --- ## Christ’s Character in His Divine Attributes **Scripture Reference: [Colossians 1:15-20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1.15-20&version=AMP)** While Christ’s humanity displayed the moral virtues of humility, love, and obedience, His [[divine nature]] reflects the incommunicable attributes of [[God]]. In [Colossians 1:15-20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1.15-20&version=AMP), Paul presents a [[Christological hymn]] that describes the divine characteristics inherent in [[Christ’s person]]: ### 1. Preeminence and Supremacy Christ is described as the “image of the invisible God” ([Colossians 1:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1.15&version=AMP)), indicating His preexistence and divine status. His authority and dominion are affirmed as He is said to be “before all things” and “in Him all things hold together.” - **Sovereignty**: Christ’s character includes His sovereignty over all creation, which encompasses both physical and spiritual realms ([Hebrews 1:3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+1.3&version=AMP)). - **Eternality**: Unlike created beings, Christ is eternal, without beginning or end, sharing in the [[Father’s eternal nature]] ([Revelation 22:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22.13&version=AMP)). ### 2. Immutability Christ’s character is immutable, meaning He is unchanging in His divine attributes and moral perfections. This immutability provides a firm foundation for the [[believer’s faith]] ([Hebrews 13:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13.8&version=AMP)). - **Faithfulness**: His unchanging nature ensures His promises are always reliable, and His character is always trustworthy. - **Consistency**: Christ’s actions and words are always consistent with His divine nature, providing a perfect example of moral integrity. ### 3. Holiness Christ’s holiness is a reflection of His separation from [[Sin]] and absolute moral purity. This holiness sets Him apart as both the perfect [[high priest]] and the spotless [[sacrificial lamb]] ([Hebrews 7:26](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+7.26&version=AMP)). - **Sinlessness**: Unlike all other humans, Christ lived a life completely free from sin, demonstrating the perfect standard of [[The Righteousness of God]] that [[God]] requires ([1 Peter 2:22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2.22&version=AMP)). - **Perfect Obedience**: His holiness is expressed through His perfect obedience to the [[Father]], fulfilling all the requirements of the [[Law]] ([Matthew 5:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5.17&version=AMP)). --- #### Call to Action: - Emulate [[Christ’s Character]] in your daily life by cultivating humility, love, and obedience to [[God’s Will]]. - Seek to know Christ more deeply through His Word, allowing His character to transform your own. - Proclaim the beauty of [[Christ’s Character]] to others, showing how His divine and human nature perfectly reflect the glory of [[God]]. --- **Related Concepts:** - [[Incarnation]] - [[Hypostatic union]] - [[Atonement of Christ]] - [[Moral Perfection]] - [[Sinlessness of Christ]] - [[High Priesthood of Christ]] - [[Humility and Obedience]] - [[Sovereignty of Christ]] - [[Christ’s Love]] - [[Christ’s Obedience]]