Christ – Both Human And Divine
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn Isaiah 9:6, God’s prophet declares: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” This majestic passage of scripture is a prophecy of Christ illustrating Christ’s humanity in relation to mankind as their Savior as well as His infinite majesty and Godhead. Let us closely examine the characteristics presented:
“For Unto Us A Child Is Born”
Christ shall appear as a child, born of a woman, born as a Jew, under the law of Moses but not in the way of ordinary generation (Matthew 1:20,23; Matthew 5:17; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4; Hebrews 2:14).
“Unto Us A Son Is Given”
Christ is a “Son …. given.” The human nature in which the fullness of the Godhead was to dwell (John 1:14; Colossians 2:8-9). This human nature was produced by the creative energy of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin (Matthew 1:20-25; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 7:14).
“And The Government Shall Be Upon His Shoulder”
The ensign of government, the scepter, the sword, the key, etc. which was borne upon or hung from the shoulder and represented the sustaining authority or power of the one wearing it (Isaiah 22:22; Rev. 3:7); (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 16:9).
“And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful”
Our Lord was “Wonderful” in His conception, birth, preaching, miracles, sufferings, death, resurrection and ascension; “Wonderful” in His person and in His marvelous works (Judges 13:18; Psalm 40:5; Psalm 78:4; Psalm 107:8; Psalm 111:4; Psalm 119:129; Isaiah 25:1; 1 Tim. 3:16).
“Counselor”
Christ is the “Counselor” that expounds unto us the law; shows its origin, nature and claims. He instructs, pleads for the guilty and ever appears in the presence of God for men (Psalm 16:7; Romans 11:33-34; 1 Corinthians 1:24-25; Colossians 2:2-3; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 7:22-28; Hebrews 10:11-24).
“The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father”
God essentially and efficiently prevailing against His enemies. He is the Father of eternity, the origin of all being and the cause of the existence of all flesh (Psalm 24:8; Job 12:10; Job 27:3; Job 33:4; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 57:15-16; John 10:30; Tit. 2:13-14).
“The Prince Of Peace”
Not only is Christ the author and dispenser of peace but He is also the one that “rules” by peace, whose rule tends always to perfection and produces spiritual security and prosperity (John 14:27; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:13-14; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15).
Conclusion
Because our Savior possesses both “human” and “divine” attributes (Hebrews 4:14-15), we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The Psalmist said, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation!” (Psalm 68:19 – NKJV).