Salvation

The Person of Christ

Confessional Text

He did this by sending His Son⁵¹ Jesus Christ, to be the Mediator between God and man⁵². Jesus being fully God⁵³ was conceived of the Holy Spirit⁵⁴, born of the virgin Mary⁵⁵, and perfectly revealed and did the will of God⁵⁶. He took upon Himself human nature, yet was without sin⁵⁷, thereby having perfect righteousness.

Scriptural References

[51]

Galatians 4:4

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son

[52]

1 Timothy 2:4-6

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus

[53]

John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

[54]

Matthew 1:20

That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit

[55]

Matthew 1:23-24

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son

[56]

John 5:19

Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do

[57]

Philippians 2:6-7

Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

Hebrews 2:14

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

All scripture quotations are from the ESV (English Standard Version).

Historical & Theological Background

The Council of Chalcedon (451) definitively affirmed that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures—fully God and fully man—united without mixture, confusion, separation, or division. This is essential to the gospel: only a divine-human mediator could bridge the infinite gap between holy God and sinful humanity. Jesus' virgin birth preserved Him from inherited sin, and His sinless life demonstrated perfect righteousness. The Incarnation shows God's commitment to saving humanity by becoming one of us.

African Contextual Commentary

In Africa, Jesus is sometimes presented merely as a powerful prophet, healer, or ancestor, diminishing His unique divine-human nature. Others promote a "prosperity Jesus" who exists mainly to provide material blessings. This statement affirms the full biblical teaching: Jesus is God incarnate, the only mediator between God and man. He is not one option among many spiritual intermediaries (ancestors, Mary, angels); He alone reconciles us to God. Additionally, His sinless perfection means He is not just a moral example but the righteous substitute who takes our place. African believers can confidently approach God through Christ alone, needing no other mediators.