Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of the Son Part 3: The Deity of Christ in the New Testament

Pastor Terrie Beede led session 15 of the "Studies in Theology" series at Calvary Chapel Milwaukee, focusing on "The Doctrine of the Son, Part 3: The Deity of Christ in the New Testament". The series continues to be anchored by 1 Timothy 4:16, which instructs ministers like Timothy to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee". This emphasizes that faithful adherence to and teaching of pure doctrine is essential for a minister's fulfillment of their charge and for nourishing the congregation in truth. Doctrine, though sometimes perceived as dry, deeply impacts daily life.This session built upon previous studies, including an introduction to theology, the existence of God, a multi-part discussion on the Trinity, the doctrine of Scripture, the attributes of God, and the doctrine of God the Father. Session 13 ("The Doctrine of the Son, Part 1") explored the person of Christ in the Old Testament, covering prophecies of His deity and humanity, including the pre-incarnate Son as the Angel of the Lord. Session 14 ("The Doctrine of the Son, Part 2") focused on the humanity of Christ in the New Testament. The current session acknowledged an intentional overlap as Christ's person and work are often inseparable.The study of God the Son aligns with Article Four of the Calvary Chapel Milwaukee statement of faith, which affirms belief "in the person of Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son, conceived by the Holy Spirit," His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, teachings, substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, perpetual intercession, and personal visible return to Earth.The session began by reiterating the divine attributes discussed in earlier sessions on the Trinity, such as God's eternality, immutability, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. These apply equally and fully to all members of the Trinity, including God the Son. The core focus was on the deity of Christ as revealed in the New Testament, demonstrating that Jesus is indeed God.Key aspects of Christ's deity discussed included:• His Pre-incarnate Existence: Jesus existed from all eternity as the Son, not created, co-existing with the Father and the Holy Spirit. John 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". Old Testament passages, such as God's use of plural pronouns like "Let us make man in our own image" (Genesis 1:26), and the "most explicit reference to the Trinity" in Isaiah 48:16, where an eternal speaker claims deity and is sent by "the Lord God and his spirit," allude to His pre-incarnate existence and deity.• Jesus' Own Claims to Deity: Jesus consistently taught with unique authority, stating, "You have heard that it hath been said... But I say to you" (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-32). This contrasted Him with scribes and Pharisees who relied on established law or rabbinical teachings. He also explicitly claimed the title "Son of Man" (Daniel 7:13-14), using it 84 times in the Gospels, a direct reference to His divine, kingly return. His "I am" statement to the High Priest (Mark 14:61-62) and His declaration "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30-33) were clearly understood by the Jewish leaders as claims to equality with God, leading to their attempts to stone or condemn Him.• The Witness of Others: ◦ The Sanhedrin understood Jesus' claims to deity, particularly His reference to Daniel 7, which was sufficient for them to convict Him. Stephen's later vision of the "Son of Man standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56) also provoked violent outrage, confirming their understanding of this divine claim. ◦ The Jews in Nazareth were filled with wrath and sought to kill Jesus after He declared Isaiah 61:1-2 fulfilled, understanding His claim to be equal with God (Luke 4:16-30).Continuedhttps://ccmilwaukee.com/podcasts/media/2009-05-27-the-doctrine-of-the-son