Have you ever posed someone an either-or question only to have them answer “yes”?
Imagine asking, “Would you like pie or cake?” and hearing a happy response of, “Yes!” Or perhaps you inquire, “Do you prefer reading fiction or nonfiction?” Again, the enthusiastic reply is, “Yes!”
How about this one: Is Jesus divine or human? The surprising and beautiful answer is yes.
That might feel a bit confusing at first, but stay with me.
There’s an entire area of study dedicated to this very question. It’s called Christology, and it is so much more than just a general theology—it’s the heart of the Christian faith.
What is Christology?
Christology is the study of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what that means for believers. What we believe about Jesus impacts our faith and shapes how we relate to God, others, and ourselves.
Two foundational truths to understanding Christ are that He is fully God and fully human:
- Jesus is fully God, which means He has the authority and power to redeem, restore, and reign.
- Jesus is fully human, which means He knows what it is like to be weary, tempted, rejected, and in pain.
This is not just some abstract theological idea. It’s the heartbeat of our beliefs, changing how we live every day. It means Jesus is both near us in our struggles and strong enough to carry us through them.
Fully God and Fully Human: How Does That Work?
How could Jesus be both God and man? The answer is that Jesus has two natures that exist perfectly together in one person without mixing or separating. This is known as the hypostatic union.
Hypostatic comes from the Greek word, hypostasis, meaning person or substance. Union means joined together. So Jesus is one person with two natures joined together. He’s not half-and-half. He is 100% God and 100% human at the same time.
Scripture Affirms This Truth:
- John 1:1,14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
- Colossians 2:9: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”
The Work of Jesus
The study of Christology isn’t just about knowing who Jesus is but also about understanding what He has done, what He is doing now, and what He will do in the future.
Jesus existed before the manger. He was with God at creation, speaking the universe into existence, and He appeared throughout the Old Testament.
- Jesus is seen through promise. God promises a Savior, a Redeemer (e.g. Gen. 3:15).
- Jesus is present in prophecy throughout the Old Testament (e.g. Isa. 7:14).
- Jesus appears as a type or imprint through figures like Moses (e.g. Rom. 5:14).
- Jesus is depicted in places and things like Jacob’s vision of a ladder (Gen. 28:10–22; John 1:51) or the bronze serpent raised in the wilderness (Num. 21:4; John 3:14–15).
At the right time, Jesus stepped into history with a mission: to live a sinless life, die in our place, rise from the dead, and return to heaven.
But His work doesn’t stop there. Jesus is still at work today. He is alive and active in believers, guiding, strengthening, and transforming lives. He intercedes for us before the Father and is building His church.
And the story isn’t over. Jesus will return. He will gather His church, restore all things, and reign forever. Those who trust in Him will always be with Him, just as He promised.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 tells us: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
Christology and the Gospel
Pastor and author Tim Keller explained why faith in Jesus makes sense, even in a skeptical world. His work has helped many people see Jesus more clearly and understand the depth of God’s grace.
He wrote in his book, The Meaning of Marriage, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
Let that sink in for a second.
We are more broken than we even realize, but God’s grace is even greater than we can ever imagine. Christology helps us grasp both our deep need for Jesus and Jesus’s deeper love for us.
Christology and Daily Life
For women seeking to lead, mentor, or share their faith, a clear understanding of Christ protects against distorted cultural messages, allowing us to stand firm in truth. It gives us the confidence to step into our God-given callings, knowing that Jesus isn’t just an example to follow, but He is the source of strength that enables us to follow Him to begin with.
Here’s what the reality of Jesus being divine and human means in everyday life:
- We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands as we go through seasons of struggle. He experienced suffering, betrayal, grief, and pain. He is not distant nor indifferent to what we experience in this life.
- We can trust in His power when we face uncertainty. His divinity means He is in control, reigning over all things, and nothing is outside His authority. We can surrender our desire to control and understand life and fully trust Jesus.
- We can find comfort in the reality that the unchanging love of Christ determines our worth and identity—not what we do or how others perceive us.
- We can stand firm in the truth of who Jesus is, both divine and human, rejecting distortions that attempt to redefine Him and our Christian faith.
How Do We Grow in Christology?
Building a strong understanding of Jesus isn’t about head knowledge. It is about knowing Him personally and letting that shape everything we do.
Here are some ways to deepen your understanding:
- Spend time in Scripture. Read passages that reveal who Jesus is, such as John 1, Philippians 2, and Hebrews 1–2. Let the Word shape your view of Him.
- Learn from solid teaching. Dive into trusted theologians, church history, and doctrinal statements that have endured the test of time.
- Look for Jesus in everyday life. Notice how His truth influences your self-talk, prayers, decisions, and relationships.
- Worship with understanding. The more we know Jesus, the more naturally our hearts will overflow with gratitude, trust, and joy.
An Invitation to Know Him More
Christology is not just a doctrine to learn but a loving invitation to draw closer to Jesus.
When we know Him as fully God and fully human, we can walk confidently, knowing that our Savior understands our struggles and holds all authority over them.
Understanding Christology gives us boldness, faith, and courage. It equips us to lead, to love others, and to trust God fully. His plan is good, and His power is sufficient for whatever life throws at us.
