Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 2) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 3 (Person of Christ) by reading up to the heading '8. Later forms of the doctrine'.
My summary
Today Hodge gives an overview and critique of the Lutheran view of Christ.
Firstly we see that the Lutherans affirm much of the early church respecting the person of Christ, yet they also hold that the divine essence is communicated to the human.
Next Hodge demonstrates that subtle differences between even the Lutherans on this doctrine.
Then Hodge raises objections to such a view.
What grabbed me
I appreciated Hodge's first objection to the Lutheran doctrine: 'The first remark which suggests itself on this Lutheran doctrine is its contrast with the simplicity of the gospel. The New Testament predicates of our Lord Jesus Christ all that can be predicated of a sinless man, and all that can be predicated of a divine person. It is only stating this fact in another form to say that the Bible teaches that the eternal Son of God became man by taking to Himself a true body and a reasonable soul, and so was, and continues to be, God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person forever. Whatever is beyond this, is mere speculation. Not content with atdmitting the fact that two natures are united in the one person of Christ, the Lutheran theologians insist on explaining that fact. They are willing to acknowledge that two natures or substances, soul and body, are united in the one person in man, without pretending to explain the essential nature of the union. Why then can they not receive the fact that two natures are united in Christ without philosophizing about it ? The first objection, therefore, is that the Lutheran doctrine is an attempt to explain the inscrutable.'
It is always dangerous to venture beyond the clear teaching of scripture.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 3 (Person of Christ) by reading up to the heading '9. Modern forms of the doctrine'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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