Category Archives: Christology

The Active Obedience of Christ

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Many Bible-believing Baptists today are influenced by groups which identify themselves as centered on the gospel but in reality are teaching a Reformed view that the imputed righteousness of Christ is the result of His active obedience to the law. This article considers two important questions: What is meant by “the active obedience of Christ” and is it Scriptural? What Is Meant by “Active Obedience”? Some people hold that the term “active obedience” refers to the fact that Christ kept the law in order to demonstrate His sinlessness, a Lamb without spot or blemish.

Jesus Christ As ‘God’ Before the Council of Nicea

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According to the popular historiography of various cults, the doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ was “created” by the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325. For instance, the Restoration Church of God publishes a tract entitled “Who Is Jesus? Do the Creeds Tell Us the Truth About Him?” This work asserts that the belief that Jesus is God is not found in the Scriptures, but was only instituted by the Nicene Council in the fourth century, “well after the New Testament apostolic times.”1

Tremendous Truths from Jesus’ Family Tree

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Some time ago my oldest sister became interested in our family tree. She dug into some old dusty records and family Bibles and traced our family line back to Holland where she found the names of our ancestors for several hundred years. When we turn to the first chapter of the book of Matthew, we find a much greater family tree. It covers not just 200 years, but 2000 years. It is the family tree of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew was written for the Jews.

The Virgin Birth: A Mystery to Be Cried Aloud

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The virgin birth refers to Mary’s miraculous conception of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, without any male participation, so that, though the birth process was not unlike that of other humans, Mary was still a virgin when Jesus was born. This Biblical doctrine should be distinguished from the Roman Catholic tenets of Mary’s immaculate conception and her perpetual virginity (Erickson, 179). The Dogma of the Immaculate Conception According to the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Mary was “preserved free from all stain of original sin” (Ott, 199).

The Shepherds in Search of the Savior

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The birth of our Savior is surrounded by striking events. The story of the wise men journeying from afar with precious gifts to worship the Savior has captured the imagination of devout Bible students as well as poets and artists. There is another thrilling account which has excited both young and old. It is the angelic announcement to the shepherds and their adoration of the newborn child. Luke, the evangelist, records the intriguing incident in Luke 2:8–20. I. The Revelation by the Heavenly Messengers: Luke 2:8–14 A.

The Mysterious Magi: Sages Seeking the Savior

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In the German city of Cologne, on a hill high above the Rhine River, stands Germany’s largest cathedral. This impressive example of gothic architecture was built between 1248 and 1880. The purpose of this towering cathedral was to provide a suitable home for a spectacular golden shrine, containing according to Catholic tradition the mortal remains of the three wise men. The bones of Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior were brought here from Italy in 1164 and soon attracted hosts of pilgrims from throughout Europe.

The Impeccability of Christ

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Introduction Our topic asks the question, “Was it possible for Jesus Christ to sin when He was tempted during His earthly ministry?” Those who answer, “yes it was possible for Him to sin, though He did not choose to sin” are teaching the peccability of Christ. Those who answer, “no, it was not possible for Jesus Christ to sin” are teaching the impeccability of Christ. A Presentation of the Doctrine It is my purpose to show that Jesus Christ was and is impeccable, i.e.

The Star of Bethlehem: Its Mystery, Magic, and Message

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The thrilling Christmas event of the eternal Creator God becoming man will always be shrouded in mystery. Paul, in reciting perhaps an early Christian hymn, expressed the event thusly: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16a). Other mysteries in connection with the incarnation have excited interested saints since the first Christmas day. The identity of the magi and the appearance of a mysterious star have perplexed sincere minds for the past two millennia.

The Forgotten Person in the Christmas Story

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As the Christmas season approaches, the believer’s thoughts are focused once again on the miracle of incarnation. The Apostle Paul, in awe of the marvelous event, observes that “without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16). Much of the teaching and preaching of the account of the first Christmas rightly focuses on the One who as the eternal creator God became man in order to minister to man and give His life for man’s redemption (Matt.

The Eternal Sonship of Christ

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Every group claiming to be Christian teaches that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The problem is: What does “Son of God” mean? What one thinks this title means will determine when one thinks Jesus became the Son of God. There are four major views on this issue. View #1: Jesus is called God’s Son because he is the first and highest created being by God. This view rejects the Trinity and does not believe in the deity of Christ.