The Mystery of the God-Man Jesus and His Divine Qualities

The theology of Calvinists, particularly advocates like James White, raises questions about the nature and understandings of Jesus Christ, especially with regards to His divine and human natures. This article explores these concepts within the context of Christian theology, particularly focusing on passages from the Bible, including John 16:6, 1 Timothy 3:16, and Revelation 1:18.

Triune God: The Nature of God-Man Jesus

The belief in the Trinity is a fundamental Christian doctrine, asserting that there is one God subsisting in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is considered the divine Son, manifesting God's nature in human form. This perichoresis (the idea that the three persons of the Trinity indwelling one another) manifests in His life, death, and resurrection, reflecting both His Godhood and humanity.

Divine vs. Human Jesus

Calvinists and others who subscribe to a more human understanding of Jesus often debate the extent of His divinity. According to Christian doctrine, as the Son of God, Jesus possessed divine omniscience, which means He knew all things, including the timing of His own return (see Matthew 24:36). However, in His human state, He was veiled from this knowledge to fulfill His mission as the incarnate Son of God (see also Revelation 1:18).

1 Timothy 3:16 (King James Version) succinctly captures this dual nature: 'And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.' This verse emphasizes the incarnation of the divine in human form, highlighting the paradox of Jesus' God-man existence.

Resurrection and the Afterlife

The resurrection of Jesus is a central doctrine in Christianity, signifying His divine nature and the fulfilling of His mission (see 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10). It is important to clarify that in these passages, Jesus is described as going to Paradise (see Luke 23:39-43), not 'hell', after His death. Jesus, who was crucified, did not descend to hell but instead descended to Hades (a term in the Bible for the place of the dead, both good and bad) to preach to the spirits in prison (see 1 Peter 3:18-20). This passage clarifies that Jesus was not sent to hell for sins but took the initiative to proclaim the gospel to those who had died in faith.

The Theophany in Revelation 1:18

The description in Revelation 1:12-18 emphasizes the divinity of Jesus. In this passage, He is described as the one who was dead and now alive forevermore, holding the keys of hell and death, and a theophany (a divine manifestation) to John. This text confirms the deity of Jesus by explicitly stating, 'I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen.' The use of the term 'first and last' (see Revelation 1:8) further emphasizes His eternal nature, signifying that He is not only the beginning and the end but also the one who overcame death, resurrection, and all powers that reign over the created order.

These texts collectively underscore the complex yet coherent nature of the divine Son, Jesus Christ. The contrast between His divine and human natures, as well as the descriptions of His deity and resurrection, highlight the Christian understanding of the Trinity and the God-Man Jesus.