When false teachings show up in church history, we sometimes forget that those same heresies are alive and well today, lived out under a different name. For the early church, there was never a question of Jesus’ divinity, only a firm confidence that it must be accurately articulated when faced with false teaching.
“God from God, Light from Light
true God from true God
begotten, not made
of one Being with the Father”
Arius [God | Jesus Creation]
Athanasius [God Jesus | Creation]
False Teachers and False Teachings:
Arius taught…
1. Jesus is not coeternal with the Father
2. Jesus is a creature
3. There was a time when He was not
John 1:1-2
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”
The Church’s Response:
Athanasius argued…
1. If there was a time before Jesus, then there was time when the Father was not a father
2. Only God can save humanity
3. Jesus is called and worshipped as God
John 10:33
“We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
John 20:25-28
“So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Philippians 2:5-7
“Your attitude should be the same of that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing.”
Titus 2:11-13
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Homoousios – of the same substance
Homoiousios – of a similar substance
Hebrews 1:1-3
Jesus according to:
Position 1 – Inheritor
Function 1- Creator
Nature 1- Radiator
Nature 2 – Representor
Function 2 – Sustainer & Purifier
Position 2 – Ruler
John 14:9
“Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Application:
1. Take the nature of God seriously
2. Allow Jesus’ nature to move you to worship Him as your Lord