The Person Of Jesus Christ May Be Described As Except

The question of how to describe the person of Jesus Christ is a complex and multifaceted one, deeply intertwined with theological interpretations, historical context, and personal faith. Throughout history, Christians have grappled with the nature of Jesus, seeking to understand his identity as both fully God and fully human. This exploration has led to a vast array of descriptions, each highlighting different aspects of his character, ministry, and significance. However, to truly understand the person of Jesus Christ, it is also essential to consider what he cannot be described as. This involves addressing common misconceptions, theological pitfalls, and oversimplified portrayals that fail to capture the fullness of his being.

What Jesus Christ Cannot Be Described As

Describing what Jesus Christ is not is just as important as defining what he is. It helps to clarify misconceptions and prevent reductionist views of his personhood and mission.

1. Simply a Moral Teacher

While Jesus undoubtedly taught profound moral principles, reducing him to merely a moral teacher diminishes his unique claim to divinity and his role as the Savior. His teachings on love, forgiveness, and justice are central to Christian ethics, but they are inseparable from his identity as the Son of God.

• The Divinity Claim: Jesus did not present himself as just another sage offering ethical advice. He made statements that implied a divine status, such as forgiving sins (Mark 2:5-12) and claiming to be one with the Father (John 10:30).
• The Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christianity, affirming his victory over death and his divine nature. If Jesus were merely a moral teacher, his death would have been the end of his story.
• The Atonement: The concept of atonement, where Jesus' death serves as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, goes beyond moral instruction. It involves a divine intervention to reconcile humanity with God.

2. A Political Revolutionary

Some portray Jesus as primarily a political figure who sought to overthrow the Roman Empire. While his teachings had social and political implications, his mission was fundamentally spiritual.

• Focus on the Kingdom of God: Jesus frequently spoke about the "Kingdom of God," which is not a political entity but a spiritual reign in the hearts of believers. His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36).
• Rejection of Violence: Jesus consistently advocated for non-violence and love for enemies (Matthew 5:38-48). This is incompatible with the methods of a political revolutionary seeking to seize power through force.
• Emphasis on Inner Transformation: Jesus emphasized inner transformation and repentance as the path to change society. This is different from a political revolution that focuses on external structures and institutions.

3. A Cultural Conformist

Jesus challenged the cultural norms and religious traditions of his time, often clashing with the religious authorities. He cannot be described as someone who simply conformed to the prevailing culture.

• Criticism of Hypocrisy: Jesus openly criticized the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who were more concerned with outward appearances than with genuine faith (Matthew 23).
• Breaking Social Norms: Jesus interacted with marginalized groups, such as tax collectors and prostitutes, defying social norms and demonstrating his inclusive love (Luke 7:36-50).
• Redefining the Sabbath: Jesus challenged the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath, emphasizing that it was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).

4. A Docetic Figure

Docetism is an early Christian heresy that claimed Jesus only seemed to be human but was actually a purely divine being. This view denies the genuine humanity of Jesus.

• Physical Embodiment: The Gospels portray Jesus as experiencing human emotions, such as joy, sorrow, and anger. He also experienced physical limitations, such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue.
• Suffering and Death: Jesus suffered and died on the cross, demonstrating the reality of his human nature. Docetism would suggest that this suffering was merely an illusion.
• Importance of the Incarnation: The incarnation, where God became flesh in the person of Jesus, is a central doctrine of Christianity. Denying the genuine humanity of Jesus undermines the significance of the incarnation.

5. An Arian Figure

Arianism is another early Christian heresy that claimed Jesus was a created being, subordinate to God the Father. This view denies the full divinity of Jesus.

• Eternal Existence: Christian theology affirms that Jesus existed eternally with the Father, not as a created being. John 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
• Divine Attributes: Jesus possesses divine attributes, such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. These attributes are incompatible with the idea that he is a created being.
• Worship of Jesus: Christians worship Jesus as God, which would be idolatry if he were merely a creature.

6. A Gnostic Figure

Gnosticism was a complex religious movement that emphasized secret knowledge and a dualistic worldview, where the physical world was seen as evil and the spiritual world as good. A Gnostic Jesus would be a purely spiritual being, detached from the physical world.

• Affirmation of Creation: Christianity affirms that God created the physical world and that it is inherently good (Genesis 1:31). This is in contrast to the Gnostic view that the physical world is evil.
• Bodily Resurrection: The bodily resurrection of Jesus affirms the importance of the physical body and its redemption. Gnosticism would emphasize a purely spiritual resurrection.
• Incarnation and Materiality: The incarnation of Jesus demonstrates God's willingness to enter into the material world and redeem it. Gnosticism would reject this idea.

7. A Passive Victim

While Jesus willingly submitted to his crucifixion, he was not a passive victim. He actively confronted injustice, challenged religious authorities, and fulfilled his mission with determination and courage.

• Confrontation with Evil: Jesus confronted evil in various forms, whether it was casting out demons, rebuking hypocrisy, or challenging unjust systems.
• Deliberate Choice: Jesus deliberately chose to go to Jerusalem, knowing that it would lead to his death. He was not simply caught in circumstances beyond his control.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus saw his death as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, indicating that it was part of God's plan.

8. A Simple Answer to Complex Questions

Jesus often answered questions with parables, stories, and thought-provoking statements that challenged people to think more deeply. He cannot be reduced to a provider of simple answers to complex questions.

• Parables and Metaphors: Jesus used parables and metaphors to convey spiritual truths, requiring listeners to engage their minds and hearts to understand the deeper meaning.
• Challenging Questions: Jesus often responded to questions with questions, forcing people to examine their own assumptions and motivations.
• Emphasis on Discernment: Jesus encouraged his followers to discern the signs of the times and to make wise decisions based on their understanding of God's will.

9. A Mirror Reflecting Our Own Preconceptions

It is tempting to mold Jesus into an image that reflects our own values, beliefs, and cultural biases. However, to truly understand Jesus, we must be willing to confront our preconceptions and allow him to challenge us.

• Objective Truth: Christianity claims that there is an objective truth about Jesus, based on historical evidence and divine revelation.
• Transformation, Not Confirmation: Encountering Jesus should lead to transformation, not simply confirmation of our existing beliefs.
• Humility and Openness: Approaching the study of Jesus requires humility and openness to be challenged and changed.

10. A Figure Confined to the Past

While Jesus lived in a specific historical context, his message and significance transcend time and culture. He is not simply a figure confined to the past but a living presence in the lives of believers today.

• Living Lord: Christians believe that Jesus is not just a historical figure but a living Lord who continues to reign and intercede for them.
• Indwelling Spirit: The Holy Spirit, who is often referred to as the Spirit of Christ, indwells believers and empowers them to live according to his teachings.
• Eternal Relevance: The teachings of Jesus on love, forgiveness, and justice are eternally relevant and applicable to all people in all times.

Essential Aspects of Describing Jesus Christ

Having explored what Jesus Christ cannot be described as, it is crucial to highlight the essential aspects of his personhood that should be included in any accurate description.

1. Fully God

Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, eternally one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. His divinity is not a later addition but an intrinsic part of his being.

• Divine Names and Titles: Jesus is referred to by divine names and titles, such as "Lord," "God," and "Son of God."
• Divine Attributes: Jesus possesses divine attributes, such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.
• Worship: Jesus is worthy of worship, which would be inappropriate if he were not God.

2. Fully Human

Jesus Christ is also fully human, born of the Virgin Mary and subject to the limitations and experiences of human existence. His humanity is not a disguise but a genuine expression of God's love for humanity.

• Human Birth: Jesus was born of a human mother, demonstrating his entry into the human race.
• Human Body: Jesus had a physical body that experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and pain.
• Human Emotions: Jesus experienced human emotions, such as joy, sorrow, anger, and compassion.

3. The Incarnate Word

Jesus Christ is the Logos (Word) of God, who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He is the perfect revelation of God's character and purpose.

• Revelation of God: Jesus reveals God to humanity in a way that is accessible and understandable.
• Mediator between God and Humanity: Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity, reconciling us to God through his sacrifice.
• Truth and Light: Jesus is the truth and the light that guides humanity out of darkness.

4. The Savior of the World

Jesus Christ came to save humanity from sin and death. His death on the cross is the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, providing atonement for our sins.

• Atoning Sacrifice: Jesus' death on the cross atones for the sins of humanity, satisfying God's justice and reconciling us to him.
• Redemption from Sin: Jesus redeems us from the bondage of sin, freeing us to live a life of righteousness and obedience.
• Victory over Death: Jesus' resurrection demonstrates his victory over death, offering us the hope of eternal life.

5. The King of Kings

Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who will ultimately reign over all creation. His kingdom is not of this world, but it is a spiritual reality that transforms lives and societies.

• Eternal Reign: Jesus' reign is eternal and will never end.
• Universal Lordship: Jesus' lordship extends over all creation, both visible and invisible.
• Transforming Power: Jesus' kingdom transforms lives and societies, bringing justice, peace, and reconciliation.

Conclusion

Describing the person of Jesus Christ is a profound and ongoing endeavor. By understanding what he cannot be described as, we can avoid common misconceptions and appreciate the fullness of his being. He is not simply a moral teacher, a political revolutionary, or a cultural conformist. He is fully God and fully human, the incarnate Word, the Savior of the World, and the King of Kings. His life, death, and resurrection offer hope and transformation to all who believe in him. As we continue to explore and understand the person of Jesus Christ, we grow in our faith and our ability to share his love with the world.