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NOTE: THIS IS A STUDY THAT I TOOK FROM THE MOODY HANDBOOK OF THEOLOGY. ALL I DID WAS TO REORGANIZE IT TO MAKE IT MORE OF AN OUTLINE FORM.
Pre-Existence and Eternality of Christ
The eternality and deity of Christ are inseparably linked together.
Those who deny His eternality also deny His deity. If the deity of Christ is established, there is no problem in accepting His eternality.
I Direct Proof
A New Testament. There are numerous passages in the New Testament which explicitly affirm the eternality of Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:1. The
word “was” in the phrase, “In the beginning was the Word,” is the Greek hen, the imperfect tense that stresses continual existence in past time. The phrase could thus be translated, “In the
beginning the Word was continually existing.” John’s beginning probably goes back to the origin of the universe; John indicates that however far back one goes, the Word was continuously existing.20-1
2 John 8:58.
Although Abraham lived two thousand years before Christ, He could say, “before Abraham was born, I am.” Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He claimed to have existed before Abraham. The tense is again
important to notice. Before Abraham was born, Christ wascontinuouslyexisting.
a. The statement
“I am,” of course, is also a reference to His deity and a claim of equality with Yahweh. “I am” is a reference to Exodus 3:14, in which God identifies Himself as “I AM WHO I AM.”20-2
3 Hebrews 1:8. In
verse 8 the writer of Hebrews begins a series of Old Testament quotations. The preface to those statements is, “But of the Son He says,” hence, the statements that follow refer to Christ. Therefore, the
statement, “Thy throne, O God, isforeverandever,” is a reference to the eternality of Christ.
4 Colossians 1:17. Paul states, “Heis before all things,” stressing once more eternality and pre-existence of Christ through the use of the present tense.
B Old Testament.
1 Micah 5:2. This
statement emphasizes that “His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem (prophesied in this verse), that was not His beginning; He has existed
“from the days of eternity.”
2 Isaiah 9:6.
Christ is called the “Eternal Father.” This does not mean Christ is the Father, because they are two distinct Persons within the Trinity. It does mean that Christ also possesses the title of Father. The designation suggests both His pre-existence and eternality.
II Indirect proof.
(1) Christ’s heavenly origin proves His eternal
existence. John 3:13 stresses that Christ “descended from heaven.” If Christ came down from heaven then Bethlehem cannot have been His beginning. This verse indicates He dwelt in heaven before coming to
earth, therefore, He is eternal (cf. John 6:38).
(2) Christ’s preincarnate work proves His eternal existence.
John 1:3 says that Christ created all things (“all” is emphatic). If He created all things then He must be eternal (cf. 1 Cor. 8:6).
(3) Christ’s titles prove His eternal existence. (a) Yahweh.
In John 12:41 the apostle says that Isaiah saw “His glory,” a reference to Christ in the context. John, however, quoted from Isaiah 6:10 where He is clearly referring to Yahweh (cf. Isa. 6:3, 5). John thus
equates Jesus with Yahweh, the Lord of the Old Testament; because Yahweh is eternal then Jesus is eternal. (b) Adonai. In Matthew 22:44 Christ quotes Psalm 110:1, “The Lord said to My Lord,” and applies it to Himself. The term “Lord” is Adonai,
one of the Old Testament names of God. If Christ is designated Adonai, then He is eternal, for God is eternal.
(4) The theophanies prove His eternal existence. A theophany
may be defined thus: “It is the Second Person of the Trinity who appears thus in human form. . . . The One of the three who is called LORD, or Jahweh, in the incident recorded in Genesis 18, is to be taken to
be the Second Person of the Trinity.”20-3 The identification of Christ with the appearances of the angel of the Lord (the theophany) can be demonstrated in the following manner. The angel of the Lord is recognized as deity. He is referred to as God (Judg. 6:11, 14; note in verse 11 He is called “angel of the Lord,” while in v. 14 He is called “Lord”). The angel of the Lord in other instances is distinct from Yahweh because He talks to Yahweh (Zech. 1:11; 3:1-2; cf. Gen. 24:7). The angel of the Lord could not have been the Spirit or the Father, because neither the Spirit nor the Father are ever revealed in physical form (cf. John 1:18). The angel of the Lord no longer appears after the incarnation of Christ. There is no mention of the angel of the Lord in the New Testament; He ceases to appear after the birth of Christ.
Old Testament Prophecies of Christ
Prophecies Concerning Christ’s Lineage20-4
Virgin birth.
Genesis 3:15 is known as the protevangelium because it is the first prophecy (good news) about Christ. There will be enmity between Satan and Messiah, here identified by the phrase, “her seed.” The phrase “her seed” concerns Mary alone and points to the virgin birth; Messiah is born of Mary alone. Matthew 1:16 also emphasizes this in the phrase “By whom” (Gk. hes),
a feminine relative pronoun, emphasizing Jesus was born without Joseph’s participation.
Line of Shem.
In mentioning the specific name “Lord, The God of
Shem” Genesis 9:26 “intimates the preservation of the true religion among the descendants of Shem.”20-5 The line of Shem will ultimately bring blessing to the lineage of the other two sons of Noah. Moreover, the more specific name “Lord” (Yahweh) is used “which refers to his revelation and to his institutions for man’s redemption.”20-6 The designation “God of Shem” also suggests “that God would sustain to the posterity of Shem a relation entirely peculiar, favoring them with revelations of His will.”
Line of Abraham.
In Genesis 12:2 God promised Abraham, “I will . . . make your
name great,” suggesting Messiah would come from the posterity of Abraham and that “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Matthew 1:1 and Galatians 3:16 interpret this promise (cf. Gen. 13:15) as being fulfilled in Christ.
Line of Isaac.
It was through the descendants of Isaac that God would
establish His covenant and institute His blessings (Gen. 17:19).
Line of Jacob.
The line of Messianic blessing narrows further in that the
blessing will not flow through Ishmael, but rather through Jacob (Gen. 25:23; 28:13). Numbers 24:17 stresses a ruler (“scepter”) will come through the descent of Jacob who will crush the enemy and “have
dominion” (v. 19; cf. Rom. 9:10-13).
Line of Judah.
Genesis 49:10 affirms Messiah (as king) will come from the
tribe of Judah. Messiah, of the tribe of Judah, will possess the “scepter.” “The king held (the scepter) in his hand when speaking in public assemblies; and when he sat upon his throne he rested it between
his feet, inclining towards himself.”20-7 This verse also explains that Judah will sustain a lineage “Until Shiloh comes.” Shiloh is variously interpreted: as a title of Messiah meaning “Man of rest;”20-8 of Messiah as “pacifier, peacemaker.”20-9 Messiah will be a man of peace (cf. Ps. 72:7; 122:7; Jer. 23:6; Zech. 9:10); the phrase “Until Shiloh comes” may be translated “Until He comes to whom it belongs.” “And to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples” stresses Messiah’s rule over the nations of the world in the millennial kingdom.
Line of David.
Messiah will be a descendant of David (2 Sam. 7:12-16).
In this promise to David (cf. v. 16), the Lord indicated his descendant (the Messiah) would have an everlasting dynasty (“house”); He would rule (“throne”) over people (“kingdom”), and His rule would
be “eternal.” Psalm 89 expands this promise.
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Old Testament Prophecies of Christ
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Topic
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Prophecy
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Passage
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Christ’s Lineage
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Virgin Birth
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Genesis 3:15
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Lineage of Shem
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Genesis 9:26
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Lineage of Abraham
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Genesis 12:2
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Lineage of Isaac
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Genesis 17:19
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Lineage of Jacob
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Genesis 25:23; 28:13
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Lineage of Judah
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Genesis 49:10
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Lineage of David
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2 Samuel 7:12-16
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Christ’s Birth
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Manner of birth
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Isaiah 7:14
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Place of birth
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Micah 5:2
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Christ’s Life
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His forerunner
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Isaiah 40:3
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His mission
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Isaiah 61:1
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His ministry
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Isaiah 53:4
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His teaching
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Psalm 78:2
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His presentation
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Zechariah 9:9
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His rejection
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Psalm 118:22
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Christ’s Death
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A painful death
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Psalm 22
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A violent death
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Isaiah 52-53
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Christ’s Victory
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His resurrection
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Psalm 16:10
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His ascension
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Psalm 68:18
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Christ’s Reign
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As sovereign
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Psalm 2
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From exalted Jerusalem
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Psalm 24
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With governmental authority
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Isaiah 9:6-7
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In peaceful justice
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Isaiah 11
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For joyful restoration
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Isaiah 35:1-10
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Prophecies Concerning Christ’s Birth
The manner.
Isaiah 7:14 promised a sign to the unbelieving King Ahaz. The
prophecy was that a virgin would bear a son who would be called Immanuel—God with us. In all seven occurrences in the Old Testament, the term “virgin” (Heb. almah) “never refers to a
maiden who has lost her virginity . . .”20-10 The passage has both a near and a far fulfillment: in the immediate future it was fulfilled in the birth of Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isa. 8:3), and in
the distant future it was fulfilled in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:23 provides a commentary on this verse.
The place.
Micah 5:2 identifies the birthplace of Christ as Bethlehem, a small
town, too insignificant to be listed among the towns of Judah (cf. Josh. 15:60), distinguished from Bethlehem of Zebulun (Josh. 19:15). Matthew 2:6 provides a commentary on this verse.
Prophecies Concerning Christ’s Life
His forerunner.
Isaiah 40:3 identifies John the Baptist, the forerunner, calling the
people to repentance and spiritual preparation because the kingdom of heaven was at hand (Matt. 3:3; John 1:23). Malachi 3:1 identifies the forerunner of Messiah as a messenger who will
prepare the way for Messiah. Malachi 3:1 parallels Isaiah 40:3 in thought (cf. Matt. 11:10; Mark 1:2-3).
His mission.
Isaiah 61:1 promises that Christ will be anointed by the Holy
Spirit in ministry, empowering Him to preaching the gospel to the poor, releasing those in spiritual bondage, and giving sight to the blind (Luke 4:18-19). Isaiah 9:1-2 predicts that Christ will be
identified with the despised of society and with the Gentiles. This was fulfilled when Christ settled in Nazareth (where a Roman garrison was stationed) and later in Capernaum (Matt. 4:15-16).
His ministry.
Isaiah 53:4 describes Christ bearing the sicknesses of the people,
which Matthew states is fulfilled in the earthly ministry of Christ as He heals those who are ill (Matt. 8:17). Isaiah 35:5-6 and Isaiah 61:1-2 are combined in Jesus’ response to John’s question,
indicating that Christ’s earthly ministry of giving sight to the blind, healing the lame, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and preaching the good news to the poor was fulfilling the prophecies
of Isaiah (Matt. 11:5-6). Isaiah 42:2-4 describes Christ as being unlike the Pharisees. He is not quarrelsome or contentious; He is kind and compassionate; He will not crush the weak and
feeble—He will comfort them. For this reason many Gentiles will believe in Him (Matt. 12:19-21).
His teaching.
Psalm 78:2 predicted that Christ would teach in parables,
revealing previously hidden truths (Matt. 13:35).
His presentation.
Zechariah 9:9 predicts the triumphal entry of Christ, riding as
king into Jerusalem on a previously unbroken animal (Matt. 21:5). Psalm 118:26 depicts Christ coming to the nation as the Deliverer with the people crying to Him for help and deliverance
(Matt. 21:9). Psalm 110:1 describes Christ as greater than David; He is one whom David recognized as Lord and who would eventually subdue His enemies (Matt. 22:44).
His rejection.
Psalm 118:22 declares that Christ will be rejected. Christ, being
likened to the all-important cornerstone that ties a building together, will be rejected by the Jewish people (Matt. 21:42). Isaiah 29:13 says that the people will give Christ lip service but
not genuine obedience (Matt. 15:8-9). Zechariah 13:7 declares that Christ will be forsaken by all His friends at the crucial moment (Matt. 26:31). In combining Jer. 18:1-2; 19:1-15; 32:6
-9 and Zechariah 11:12, 13, the Old Testament prophets predicted Christ’s being sold for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 27:9-10).
Prophecies Concerning Christ’s Death
A painful death.
Psalm 22 depicts the sufferings of Christ. Here David uses many
poetic expressions to vividly portray the intensity of the Lord’s agonies. These figures of speech became literally true when Jesus suffered at His enemies’ hands.20-11 Psalm 22:1 prophesies
Christ’s cry on the cross wherein He judicially bore the sins of the world (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34). Verse 7 describes the passers-by who ridiculed Him (Matt. 27:39). Verse 8 prophesies the
actual words of those hurling insults at Him (Matt. 27:43). Verse 16 prophesies the piercing of Christ’s hands and feet (John 20:25). Verse 17 indicates that none of Christ’s bones would be broken
(John 19:33-36). Psalm 22:18 prophesies the soldiers gambling for Christ’s clothes (John 19:24). Psalm 22:24 prophesies Christ’s prayer to the Father concerning His impending death (Matt. 26:39; Heb. 5:7).
A violent death.
Isaiah 52 and 53 also portray the future sufferings of Christ.
Isaiah 52:14 describes the disfigurement of Christ as a result of His scourging (John 19:1).20-12 Isaiah 53:5 prophesies the scourging and violent death of Christ (John 19:1, 18). Isaiah 53:7
prophesies the Messiah as a lamb—silent and obedient on the way to death (John 1:29).
Prophecies Concerning Christ’s Victory
His resurrection.
Peter applies David’s hope of Psalm 16:10 to Christ in Acts 2:27
-28, indicating that these verses prophesied that Christ would be resurrected (Acts 2:24ff.). This was not fulfilled by David because David died and was buried (Acts 2:29); instead, this passage
spoke of the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:31; cf. Acts 13:35). Psalm 22:22 is applied to Christ typologically in Hebrews 2:12 where, following the resurrection, Christ expresses praise for His resurrection.
His ascension.
Prophecies Concerning Christ’s Reign
Numerous Old Testament passages refer to Christ’s future millennial
reign on earth. Psalm 2 describes the installation of Christ as king in Jerusalem, ruling over the nations of the world (Ps. 2:6-9). Psalm 24:7-10 depicts the victorious, returning king triumphantly entering
Jerusalem to rule. Isaiah 9:6-7 describes Christ as the Son in His governmental rule. Isaiah 11:1-16 indicates Christ’s reign will be a reign of justice (vv. 1-5), a peaceful reign (vv. 6-9), and a rule over
restored Israel and the nations of the world (vv. 10-16). Isaiah 24:23 prophesies Christ’s reign will be in Jerusalem. Isaiah 35:1-10 emphasizes the blessings of the restored land and nation in Messiah’s
kingdom. Daniel 7:13-14 emphasizes Christ’s rule will be over all people and nations. Zechariah 14:9-21 prophesies the destruction of Israel’s enemies and Christ’s rule over the nations of the world.
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Fulfilled Prophecies Concerning Christ
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Topic
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Old Testament Prophecy
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New Testament Prophecy
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Line of Abraham
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Genesis 12:2
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Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16
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Line of Judah
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Genesis 49:10
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Matthew 1:2
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Line of David
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2 Samuel 7:12-16
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Matthew 1:1
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Virgin birth
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Isaiah 7:14
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Matthew 1:23
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Birthplace: Bethlehem
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Micah 5:2
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Matthew 2:6
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Forerunner: John
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Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1
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Matthew 2:6
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King
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Numbers 24:17; Psalm 2:6
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Matthew 21:5
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Prophet
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Deuteronomy 18:15-18
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Acts 3:22-23
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Priest
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Psalm 110:4
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Hebrews 5:6-10
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Bore world’s sins
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Psalm 22:1
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Matthew 27:46
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Ridiculed
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Psalm 22:7, 8
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Matthew 27:39, 43
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Hands and feet pierced
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Psalm 22:16
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John 20:25
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No bones broken
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Psalm 22:17
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John 19:33-36
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Soldiers gambled
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Psalm 22:18
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John 19:24
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Christ’s prayer
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Psalm 22:24
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Matthew 26:39; Hebrews 5:7
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Disfigured
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Isaiah 52:14
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John 19:1
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Scourging and death
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Isaiah 53:5
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John 19:1, 18
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Resurrection
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Psalm 16:10; 22:22
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Matthew 28:6; Acts 2:27-28
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Ascension
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Psalm 68:18
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Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11
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Incarnation of Christ
Meaning of the Incarnation
The word incarnation means “in flesh” and denotes the act whereby
the eternal Son of God took to Himself an additional nature, humanity, through the virgin birth. The result is that Christ remains forever unblemished deity, which He has had from eternity past; but He also
possesses true, sinless humanity in one Person forever (cf. John 1:14; Phil. 2:7-8; 1 Tim. 3:6).
Explanation of the Incarnation
Genealogies.
There are two genealogies that describe the incarnation of Christ:
Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38. There is considerable discussion and controversy concerning the relationship of these two genealogies. One thing is noteworthy: both genealogies trace
Jesus to David (Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:31) and thereby emphasize His rightful claim as heir to the throne of David (cf. Luke 1:32-33). It appears that Matthew describes Joseph’s lineage (cf. v. 16), and
because an heir made his claim through the father, Jesus’ right to the Davidic throne comes through Joseph, His adoptive father.20-13 Luke cites Jesus’ descent through Mary to Adam, “connecting
Christ with the predicted seed of the woman.”20-14
Virgin birth.
The virgin birth was the means whereby the incarnation took
place and guaranteed the sinlessness of the Son of God. For this reason the virgin birth was essential. Isaiah 7:14 predicted the virgin birth and Matthew 1:23 provides the commentary,
indicating its fulfillment in the birth of Christ. Matthew 1:23 identifies Mary as a “virgin” (Gk. parthenos, clearly denoting a virgin).20-15 The texts of Matthew and Luke are both clear on the
teaching of the virgin birth. Matthew 1:18 emphasizes Mary was pregnant before she and Joseph lived together; moreover, the same verse indicates her pregnancy was due to the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:22-23 stresses that the birth of Christ was in fulfillment of the prophecy of the virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14. Matthew 1:25 emphasizes that Mary remained a virgin until the
birth of Christ. Luke 1:34 states that Mary had not had contact with a man, while in Luke 1:35 the angel explains to Mary that her pregnancy was due to the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit.20-16
Humanity of Christ
Meaning of Christ’s Humanity
The doctrine of the humanity of Christ is equally important as the
doctrine of the deity of Christ. Jesus had to be a man if He was to represent fallen humanity. First John was written to dispel the doctrinal error that denies the true humanity of Christ (cf. 1 John 4:2)
. If Jesus was not a real man, then the death on the cross was an illusion; He had to be a real man to die for humanity. The Scriptures teach the true humanity of Jesus. However, they also show that He
did not possess man’s sinful, fallen nature (1 John 3:5).
He Was Virgin Born
The virgin birth is an essential (and biblical) doctrine; it is necessary if
Christ was to be sinless. If He had been born of Joseph He would have possessed the sin nature. There is considerable evidence in the gospels affirming the virgin birth of Christ. In Matthew 1:2-15 the
active form of the verbs is used (this is not reflected in the New American Standard Bible): “Abraham begot Isaac” (v. 2, King James Version). In v. 16, however, there is a deliberate change to the
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