The Humanity of Christ

Introduction
The humanity of Christ is a key theological issue, as it relates directly to His ability to atone
for human sin. While some early heresies (e.g., Gnosticism, Eutychianism) denied or
distorted Christ’s humanity, the majority of the early church affirmed both His humanity and
deity. This doctrine is crucial, as Christ needed to be fully human to serve as a true
representative of mankind in His work of salvation.
A. Human Birth
1. Scriptural Proof:
o Jesus was born of a woman (Gal. 4:4).
o The virgin birth is narrated in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:30-38.
o He is referred to as “the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matt. 1:1),
fulfilling the promise made to Eve (Gen. 3:15) and to Ahaz (Isa. 7:14).
o Jesus’ genealogy traces back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38).
2. Clarification on His Nature:
o Though He was born of a woman, Jesus did not inherit a sinful nature (2 Cor.
5:21; Heb. 7:26; 1 John 3:5).
o Gabriel referred to Jesus as “the holy offspring” (Luke 1:35).
o Through the Holy Spirit’s miraculous intervention, Jesus was born sinless.
B. Human Development
1. Physical and Mental Growth:
o Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:40,
52).
o His development followed normal human processes, although sinless.
o His growth was aided by:
 A godly home
 Regular synagogue attendance (Luke 4:16)
 Temple visits (Luke 2:41-46)
 Study of Scripture and communion with God (Mark 1:35; John 4:32-
34)
C. Human Nature
1. Human Body:
o Jesus possessed a real human body (Matt. 26:12; John 2:21; Heb. 2:14, 10:5).
 o Even post-resurrection, Jesus had a physical body (Luke 24:39).
2. Soul and Spirit:
o Jesus had a human soul and spirit (Matt. 26:38; John 12:27, 13:21; Luke
23:46).
3. Sinless Nature:
o While He had a human nature, He did not have a sinful nature.
D. Human Names
1. Names Given to Jesus:
o Jesus: Meaning “Savior” (Matt. 1:21), equivalent to “Joshua.”
o Son of Abraham and Son of David: Designating His lineage (Matt. 1:1).
o Son of Man: A title used over 80 times in the New Testament, signifying His
humanity and messianic identity (Dan. 7:13; Matt. 26:64).
E. Sinless Infirmities of Human Nature
1. Human Limitations:
o Jesus experienced normal human limitations like weariness (John 4:6), hunger
(Matt. 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), and sleep (Matt. 8:24).
2. Temptation:
o Jesus was tempted, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15).
3. Dependence on the Father:
o He relied on the Father and the Holy Spirit for strength (Mark 1:35; Heb. 5:7).
F. Jesus as Man
1. Jesus Called a Man:
o Jesus referred to Himself as a man (John 8:40).
o Others also identified Him as a man (John the Baptist - John 1:30; Peter - Acts
2:22; Paul - 1 Cor. 15:21,47).
2. Post-Resurrection Appearance:
o Even after His resurrection, He appeared as a man (John 20:15).
3. Jesus Today:
o Jesus continues to exist as a man in heaven (1 Tim. 2:5) and will return to
judge the world as a man (Acts 17:31).
Conclusion
The humanity of Christ is an essential part of the Christian doctrine, affirming that Jesus was
fully human, with a real body, soul, and spirit. Yet, He was without sin, making Him the
perfect mediator and savior for humanity.
II. The Deity of Christ
1. Christ’s Equality with the Father: The same attributes proving Christ's equality
with the Father also prove His divine nature during the incarnation.
2. Attributes of Deity: Christ possesses divine attributes, offices, and prerogatives. Old
Testament references to Jehovah are applied to Christ in the New Testament.
3. Divine Worship and Consciousness: Jesus accepted worship during His earthly life
and was conscious of His divine identity.
III. The Two Natures in Christ
1. Proof of Their Union: Misconceptions about Christ's union of natures (e.g., like
marriage or divine indwelling) are rejected as unscriptural. Instead, Scripture shows a
perfect unity of Christ's divine and human natures without confusion or division.
2. Nature of the Union:
o Christ’s person unites two natures, divine and human, without forming a third,
hybrid nature.
o Christ's divine personality remained intact; He did not unite with a human
person but with human nature.
o Christ’s divine self-consciousness existed at all times, even in infancy. His
human consciousness developed over time.
3. The Two Natures and Acts: Both divine and human acts and qualities are attributed
to Christ. Jesus was omniscient and omnipotent, yet limited in knowledge and
physical strength in His humanity.
4. Human and Divine Presence: Christ’s humanity and divinity are inseparable; His
divine presence ensures that His humanity is also present with believers.
IV. The Character of Christ
1. Absolute Holiness: Christ was sinless, holy in nature and conduct. He exemplified
sinless perfection, offering a model for believers to follow.
2. Genuine Love: Christ’s love extends to the Father, the Scriptures, and to all mankind,
particularly to His own disciples, whom He loved sacrificially.
3. True Humility: Christ’s humility is seen in His incarnation and earthly conduct.
Though He was equal with God, He took on human nature, lived in poverty,
associated with sinners, and humbled Himself to death on the cross.
This synthesis emphasizes Christ's dual nature as fully divine and fully human, His
exemplary character, and the theological implications for Christian life and belief.