![[article cover study.wiki.png]] ![[sub.logo 1.png]][Substack Articles](https://practicalchristian.substack.com/?r=507pdm&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist)** ![[coffee.png]][Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity) **Cross Reference:** #Person_of_Christ, #hypostatic_union, #Christology, #incarnation, #Christian_doctrine, #Trinity, #divine_nature, #human_nature --- ## The [[Person of Jesus Christ]]: Fully Divine and Fully Human The doctrine of the [[Person of Jesus Christ]] is one of the most complex yet foundational beliefs of Christianity. At its core, it asserts that [[Jesus Christ]] is both fully God and fully human, existing in a single person with two distinct natures. This reality is essential for understanding who Christ is and why his work on the cross is so significant for humanity. Let’s break this down thought-by-thought, with reflections on how this impacts our lives today. ### "God the Son Incarnate" *Mt 1:20–23* Matthew 1:20–23 narrates the angel’s message to [[Joseph]]: *“Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name [[Jesus]], for he will save his people from their sins.”* The name *[[Jesus]]* means “God saves,” and this points to his mission from the moment of his conception. > [[Jesus]] is God the Son who became flesh to accomplish our salvation. The miracle of his [[Incarnation]] tells us that God’s plan for [[Redemption]] started with [[God]] himself entering our world. Without ceasing to be fully divine, [[Jesus]] took on a [[human nature]] by entering the womb of the [[Virgin Mary]]. This act of humility is central to understanding his dual nature. [[Jesus]] is not half God and half human—he is fully both, and this allows him to bridge the gap between [[God]] and humanity. #### Application: Reflect on the miracle of the [[Incarnation]]—how does knowing that [[Jesus]] was both God and human deepen your trust in him? He understands both the infinite divine perspective and the full human experience, making him the perfect Savior. ### "The Son of God, Eternally Begotten" *Jn 8:48–58* In John 8:58, [[Jesus]] makes a profound statement: *“Before Abraham was, I am.”* This echoes God’s self-identification to [[Moses]] in the burning bush (*Ex 3:14*), where [[God]] reveals his eternal nature with the phrase “I AM.” Here, [[Jesus]] directly claims his eternal divinity, showing that he has always existed as the [[Second Person of the Trinity]], begotten from the Father but not made. > [[Jesus]] is not a created being—he is eternal. As the Son of God, he shares the same divine nature with the [[Father]] and the [[Holy Spirit]], making him co-equal and co-eternal with them. This truth highlights the mystery of [[Jesus]]' identity: he is the eternal Son of [[God]] who chose to enter into human history, stepping into time while maintaining his divine nature. This mystery of the [[Incarnation]] is central to our faith. #### Application: The eternal nature of [[Jesus]] reassures us that he isn’t just a historical figure, but the eternal Lord who reigns beyond time. When we pray to him, we are engaging with the same God who was before all things and will be forever. ### "Suffering and Dying in Human Nature" *Jn 5:30–46* In John 5:30–46, [[Jesus]] speaks about his relationship with the [[Father]] and his divine mission. He makes it clear that, though he has come in human form, he is acting in obedience to the [[Father]]’s will. This obedience led him to the cross, where in his [[human nature]], [[Jesus]] suffered and died for the sins of humanity. > The divine nature cannot suffer or die, but [[Jesus]], in his [[human nature]], took on the full weight of human suffering, including death. This was necessary for our [[Redemption]]—only by taking on human nature could [[Jesus]] die in our place. By his death on the cross, [[Jesus]] bore the punishment we deserved. Yet because he is also fully divine, his [[sacrifice]] was sufficient to cover the sins of the entire world. The unity of [[Jesus]]’ two natures—fully human and fully divine—is what makes his [[Atonement]] effective. #### Application: The fact that [[Jesus]] suffered in his [[human nature]] reminds us that he understands our pain and suffering. He is not a distant God who doesn’t understand what we go through—he has lived it. In times of trial, we can turn to him, knowing he truly empathizes with our struggles. ### "Two Natures, One Person" *Col 2:9* Paul writes in Colossians 2:9, *“For in [[Christ]] all the fullness of the [[Deity]] lives in bodily form.”* This verse affirms the mystery of [[Christ]]’s two natures: [[Jesus]] is fully God and fully human. Yet, these two natures are not mixed or confused, nor are they divided; they are united in one person. > This doctrine is known as the **[[Hypostatic union]]**—the teaching that [[Jesus]] is one person with two distinct but united natures, divine and human. This unity is without confusion, change, division, or separation, as affirmed by the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in 451 AD. This profound truth means that [[Jesus]] acts in both his divine and human natures simultaneously. When he performs miracles, he does so as God; when he suffers hunger or fatigue, he does so as a man. The divine nature gives him the power to save, while the [[human nature]] allows him to identify with us and take our place on the cross. #### Application: Understanding the unity of [[Christ]]’s natures should inspire awe and gratitude. [[Jesus]] is fully divine, with all power and authority, yet he humbled himself to live as a human and suffer death. This unity shows his willingness to bridge the gap between heaven and earth for our sake. ### [[Jesus Christ]]: Our Perfect Mediator *1 Timothy 2:5* Paul’s teaching in *1 Timothy 2:5* emphasizes [[Jesus]]’ role as the perfect mediator between [[God]] and humanity: *“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man [[Christ Jesus]].”* Because [[Jesus]] is both fully divine and fully human, he can mediate between [[God]] and us, reconciling us to the [[Father]]. > As our mediator, [[Jesus]] stands in the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. He brings us back into fellowship with God through his [[sacrifice]], making a way for us to have eternal life. This mediating role is essential for our [[Salvation]]. [[Jesus]], as fully God, represents God to humanity; and as fully human, he represents humanity to God. His [[atoning death]] on the cross bridges the gap of sin, and his resurrection secures our hope of eternal life. #### Application: [[Christ]]’s role as our mediator is one of the most reassuring aspects of our faith. We do not need to fear coming before [[God]], because [[Jesus]] intercedes for us. When we feel unworthy or distant from God, we can remember that [[Jesus]] is constantly advocating for us. ## Call to Action The truth that [[Jesus]] is fully divine and fully human changes everything. It calls us to deeper worship, greater trust, and a more profound relationship with him. As we meditate on these truths, let’s commit to applying them in our lives. > How does the knowledge of [[Christ]]’s two natures impact the way you relate to him? Are there areas of your life where you need to trust in his divinity and others where you need to rest in his humanity? Take time this week to reflect on [[Jesus]]' unique nature and what it means for your faith journey.