Alister McGrath Theology Basics (2018) Chapter 4: Jesus

Summary

In this lecture, Alister McGrath of Oxford University introduces the concept of Christology, focusing on the identity and significance of Jesus Christ in Christian theology. He explores how Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, emphasizing the mystery of the Incarnation—the belief that God became flesh in Jesus. McGrath also reflects on how Jesus serves as the mediator between God and humanity, revealing God and offering salvation. The lecture highlights the central role of Jesus in Christianity, touching on biblical foundations, theological insights, and personal reflections on the relevance of Christ to faith and life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Christology is the study of the identity and significance of Jesus Christ, which is crucial to understanding Christian theology.
• 😀 The relationship between Jesus' identity (who He is) and His function (what He did) is central to Christology.
• 😀 Jesus Christ is the Savior of humanity, a role that, according to the Old Testament, only God can fulfill.
• 😀 The fish symbol used by early Christians represents the phrase 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior' in Greek.
• 😀 The Incarnation refers to the belief that God became flesh in Jesus Christ, revealing God to humanity in a personal, historical form.
• 😀 Jesus Christ’s dual nature as fully human and fully divine is key to understanding His identity and His role in salvation.
• 😀 The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) affirmed that Jesus is both truly God and truly human, marking a significant point in Christology.
• 😀 Christ serves as the mediator between God and humanity, facilitating both revelation (God’s knowledge) and salvation (redemption).
• 😀 The term 'Logos' used by early Christian thinkers such as Justin Martyr emphasizes Christ as the rational principle linking God and creation.
• 😀 Christian theology asserts that all that humanity needs to know about God is found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• 😀 The historical Jesus is the foundation of Christianity, as His life and teachings continue to inform Christian ethics and faith.

Q & A

What is Christology, and why is it significant in Christian theology?

Christology is the study of the identity and significance of Jesus Christ. It is significant in Christian theology because Jesus Christ is the central figure of the Christian faith, and understanding His nature and role is essential for interpreting the entire Christian doctrine.

What are the two main types of statements in the New Testament about Jesus?

The New Testament contains two main types of statements about Jesus: functional statements (what Jesus did and achieved) and identity statements (who Jesus is). These are closely connected, as Jesus's actions reveal His divine identity.

Why is the role of Jesus as Savior central to Christian belief?

The role of Jesus as Savior is central because it asserts that Jesus achieved salvation for humanity, something only God is believed to be capable of doing. The New Testament portrays Jesus as both Savior and Lord, a figure capable of accomplishing what only God can do.

What is the significance of the fish symbol used by early Christians?

The fish symbol was used by early Christians because the Greek letters for the word 'fish' (ΙΧΘΥΣ) were the initials of a statement of faith: 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.' It was a shorthand way to express key Christian beliefs about Jesus.

How does the Incarnation help Christians understand the relationship between God and humanity?

The Incarnation, which refers to God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, helps Christians understand that God chose to enter human history and experience human life. It reveals that God's presence is not distant but embedded in history, making God accessible and relatable to humanity.

What role does the concept of Incarnation play in addressing existential concerns about the relevance of God?

The Incarnation addresses existential concerns by presenting a God who is not distant but actively involved in human life. For McGrath, the idea of a God who suffers and acts within history was transformative in his own journey from atheism to Christianity.

What is meant by Jesus as a mediator in Christian theology?

Jesus is seen as a mediator between God and humanity, facilitating both revelation (the knowledge of God) and salvation (the restoration of humanity to God). This mediation underscores Jesus's unique role in bridging the gap between the divine and the human.

How does John Calvin's understanding of Christ as a mediator differ from other early Christian writers like Justin Martyr?

While Justin Martyr emphasized Christ as the **Logos** (a rational principle) who mediates the knowledge of God, John Calvin focused on Christ as a mediator of salvation, emphasizing how Christ's life, death, and resurrection provide the means for humanity's redemption.

What was the significance of the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) in defining the nature of Christ?

The Council of Chalcedon affirmed the belief that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human, defining the doctrine of the two natures of Christ. This was a crucial moment in Christian theology, as it provided clarity on the complex relationship between Christ’s divinity and humanity.

How does the life of Jesus inform Christian ethics, according to McGrath?

The life of Jesus provides the model for Christian ethics. His actions, teachings, and example are seen as the standard for Christian behavior. McGrath emphasizes that ethics is more than just asking, 'What would Jesus do?'—it involves understanding how Jesus’s life shapes the way Christians live and interact with the world.