Theology Terms Explained: “Christology”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
1. The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
2. The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
3. The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
4. Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
Here we go!
The Term
“Christology”
Chris·tol·o·gy
The Definition
Merriam Webster: theological interpretation of the person and work of Christ.
FTG’s Expanded Explanation: The word “Christology” is formed by two words that help us understand this definition in a very simple way: Christ (Messiah) and ology (the study of). Christology is the study of the doctrine of Christ. This is essential doctrine and encompasses the person and work of Christ including: who Christ is, how and why He is God, the virgin birth, what He came to do, what He still does, what He is going to do when He returns, and His role in the Holy Trinity. Studying this doctrine is vital because if you get Christology wrong, you get Jesus wrong, and if you get Jesus wrong, you cannot be saved (John 14:6). The study of Christology is also important for nurturing your relationship with Jesus. The more you know Him, the more you will love Him and be thankful for His work on your behalf.
The Biblical Connection
The Gospels are one of the best places to start when seeking to understand the doctrine of Christ. In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you will walk with Jesus daily, see His life from birth to resurrection, read His reasoning for miracles, forgiveness, saving souls, and rebuking Pharisees. You will read about His relationship to the Father (John 6:38, 10:30), and the Holy Spirit (John 14-16). You know why Jesus came (Mark 10:45; Galatians 4:4-5). You can know what it means that He became flesh and came to earth (John 1:1-14), and how Jesus relates to those who are His sheep (John 10).
The epistles (Romans to Jude) are also filled with Christological truth that can help you better understand the doctrine of Christ. In Philippians 2:3-7, Paul the Apostle gives us an incredibly helpful understanding of Christology when He explains how Christ came in humility, adding humanity to His deity, taking the wrath of God on the cross for us, and modeling how we are “do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.” In Colossians 2:9 we are given truth about the deity of Christ when Paul says, “For in Christ the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form…” helping us know once again that Jesus was truly God, yet truly man.
1 Peter 1 is a chapter loaded with Christology as Peter explains that we have been born again to a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus (1:3-5), that Jesus was long prophesied by the prophets (1:10), that His blood redeemed (1:18), and that Jesus is eternal (1:20).
These are just a few examples of what is a constant theme throughout the Gospels and the New Testament.
Further Study: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Colossians, Philippians
Used in Everyday Conversation
“Christology is so important to study because if you get Jesus wrong, you can’t be saved!”
“I’ve been studying Christology and finally understand what it means that Jesus was both God and man.”
“When you study Christology, you realize why Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witness, and Islam are false religions that have an unbiblical and twisted version of Jesus. This is why we don’t view them as saved and ought to share the gospel with them.”
