Theology Research Paper
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
THE CHRISTOLOGY DEBATE
A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO
MARSHALL WICKS
IN COMPLETION OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THEO 350-B03
BY
FRANCES MIX
SCHOOL’S LOCATION: LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
FEBRUARY 16, 2015
INTRODUCTION This Research Paper will explore the Christology Debate. It will address the meaning of Christ “emptied himself” in the incarnation from the Classical and Kenotic View. In addition, the Biblical Arguments of both views, and whether Christ laid aside certain attributes of deity in order to become human, and if he retained all attributes of deity while in human flesh. Further, this paper will address responding objections from both views regarding Christ retaining all attributes of deity while in human flesh, and how He demonstrated His humanity while experiencing temptation.
THE CLASSICAL VIEW
What does it mean that Christ “emptied himself” in the incarnation From the Classical View, to understand the meaning of Christ “emptied himself”, one must ask the questions, what did He empty himself of? Can Christ give away part of His deity and still remain God. First, according to 1Elmer Towns (2008, pg.191) Theology for Today, “Christ emptied himself of veiling His glory, accepting the limitations of human nature, and voluntarily giving up the independent use of His comparative attributes”.
The Scripture passage of Philippians 2:6-7 has been called the “kenosis” passage which is concerning the Lord’s incarnation. The word kenosis is derived from the Greek word used in Philippians that describes when Christ became a man. In the King James Bible it’s translated “made himself of no reputation”. The New American Standard Version it’s translated “He emptied himself”. In Philippians 2 kenosis is understood to mean that Christ did not surrender any of His attributes of deity, but voluntarily restrict their independent use in keeping with His purpose of living among men and
THE CHRISTOLOGY DEBATE
A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO
MARSHALL WICKS
IN COMPLETION OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THEO 350-B03
BY
FRANCES MIX
SCHOOL’S LOCATION: LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
FEBRUARY 16, 2015
INTRODUCTION This Research Paper will explore the Christology Debate. It will address the meaning of Christ “emptied himself” in the incarnation from the Classical and Kenotic View. In addition, the Biblical Arguments of both views, and whether Christ laid aside certain attributes of deity in order to become human, and if he retained all attributes of deity while in human flesh. Further, this paper will address responding objections from both views regarding Christ retaining all attributes of deity while in human flesh, and how He demonstrated His humanity while experiencing temptation.
THE CLASSICAL VIEW
What does it mean that Christ “emptied himself” in the incarnation From the Classical View, to understand the meaning of Christ “emptied himself”, one must ask the questions, what did He empty himself of? Can Christ give away part of His deity and still remain God. First, according to 1Elmer Towns (2008, pg.191) Theology for Today, “Christ emptied himself of veiling His glory, accepting the limitations of human nature, and voluntarily giving up the independent use of His comparative attributes”.
The Scripture passage of Philippians 2:6-7 has been called the “kenosis” passage which is concerning the Lord’s incarnation. The word kenosis is derived from the Greek word used in Philippians that describes when Christ became a man. In the King James Bible it’s translated “made himself of no reputation”. The New American Standard Version it’s translated “He emptied himself”. In Philippians 2 kenosis is understood to mean that Christ did not surrender any of His attributes of deity, but voluntarily restrict their independent use in keeping with His purpose of living among men and