Estudio Bíblico: Cristología - Resurrección de Cristo. Parte 8. Dr. Samuel Pérez Millos

Name: Estudio Bíblico: Cristología - Resurrección de Cristo. Parte 8. Dr. Samuel Pérez Millos
Uploaded: 2020-10-03T06:40:19.000Z
Duration: 1 h 36 min 48 s

Understanding the Historical Christology

The Nature of Historical Christology

Historical Christology is not merely a historical account of Jesus but a manifestation of the doctrine concerning His person and work within history.

Jesus is presented as both a man in time and history, and undeniably as God manifested in flesh. This duality begins with God's incarnation into human history.

The Life and Death of Jesus

The life of Jesus spans approximately 33 years, concluding with His crucifixion, which symbolizes the end of His earthly journey. This death is marked by His burial in a tomb.

However, this death is not seen as the conclusion; rather, it leads to God's intervention through the resurrection, establishing an eternal connection between humanity and divinity.

Salvation Through Death and Resurrection

Salvation hinges on two critical elements: death and resurrection. Without death, there can be no redemption or justification; without resurrection, there is no life. The Holy Spirit connects believers to the resurrected Christ, imparting divine nature to them.

The resurrection narrative holds significant weight in the Gospels and often comes from those who initially doubted it—none of Jesus' disciples expected Him to rise after His death. Their disbelief underscores the miraculous nature of the resurrection itself.

Evidence for Resurrection

Discussions about resurrection can take various forms; traditionally, one might affirm its occurrence first before presenting tangible evidence supporting it. Belief in the resurrection is foundational for salvation—without belief in this event, forgiveness cannot be attained since it validates justification through faith.

Arguments against claims that deny the resurrection include refuting Jewish assertions that disciples stole Jesus' body while Roman guards slept—a claim that lacks credibility given their inability to witness such an act while asleep.

Sources Supporting Resurrection Claims

To study resurrection effectively, one must consider various sources: confessional sources circulating within early church communities serve as primary evidence.

Simple Confession: An example includes Philippians 2:11 indicating acknowledgment of Christ's lordship post-resurrection (a simple declaration).

Expanded Confession: Romans 1:1–4 provides a broader context regarding God's gospel about Jesus being raised from the dead (an expanded declaration).

Complete Confession: In 1 Corinthians 15:1–11, Paul presents a comprehensive statement detailing Christ's death for sins, burial, and subsequent appearances post-resurrection—this serves as an extensive declaration of faith regarding these events.

The Historicity of the Gospels and Early Church Testimonies

The Liberal Perspective on the Gospels

The liberal viewpoint argues that the Gospels are not historical accounts of Christ's life but rather pseudo-historical compositions aimed at justifying the church's faith in Jesus.

This perspective suggests that narratives, such as those involving demon expulsion, were invented by evangelists to illustrate Jesus' power, claiming figures like the demoniac from Gadara never existed.

Affirmation of Gospel Authenticity

Contrary to liberal claims, it is asserted that the Gospels are reliable historical documents inspired with absolute authority to convey aspects of Jesus' life.

Early church foundations provide evidence supporting Christ’s resurrection through apostolic confessions and teachings.

Sources Supporting Early Christian Beliefs

Two primary sources for early Christian beliefs include:

Confessional sources: Apostolic proclamations about the Gospel content believed by the early church.

Charismatic sources: Direct proclamations of the Gospel by apostles, exemplified in Peter's sermons (Acts 2:14-36).

Core Message of Resurrection

Peter emphasizes in his preaching that Christ was raised from the dead because death could not hold Him, highlighting resurrection as central to evangelistic messages.

The importance of recognizing Jesus as both a prophet and Messiah is stressed; His crucifixion and resurrection form essential elements of gospel preaching.

Modern Evangelical Practices

A critique is made regarding contemporary evangelism often lacking emphasis on Christ’s death for sinners and His resurrection; without these elements, messages may fail to represent true gospel content.

Paul warns against any message deviating from a Christ-centered narrative; he asserts that only messages proclaiming Christ’s death and resurrection can be considered genuine gospel.

Importance of Scripture in Preaching

The necessity for biblical doctrine in evangelism is highlighted; any preacher neglecting scripture does not preach true gospel.

Historical examples show past preachers consistently referenced scripture ("the Bible says") as foundational for their messages.

Types of Sources Documenting Jesus’ Manifestations

Various types of sources document manifestations of Jesus:

Confessional sources affirming core beliefs.

Charismatic sources detailing direct proclamations by apostles during evangelism efforts (e.g., Acts 13).

Personal Manifestations vs. Apostolic Accounts

Distinctions are made between personal manifestations (individual experiences with resurrected Jesus) and apostolic accounts (witnesses among apostles), emphasizing their significance in understanding early Christianity.

The Role of Women in the Resurrection Message

Women as Bearers of the Message

The speaker reflects on how women were entrusted with delivering the message of resurrection, challenging traditional views that only apostles should teach.

Reference to Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus in John 20:11-18 highlights her pivotal role in witnessing and sharing the resurrection.

Disciples' Encounter on the Road to Emmaus

The narrative from Luke 24 about the disciples on the road to Emmaus is discussed, emphasizing their initial disbelief despite knowing scripture.

Jesus reveals himself differently than expected, indicating that recognition comes through divine revelation rather than familiarity.

The Importance of Communion

The intimacy shared during a meal at Emmaus symbolizes deeper communion; it’s suggested that Jesus revealed his identity when breaking bread.

The imagery of Jesus extending his hands while taking bread may have allowed disciples to see his wounds, leading to their recognition.

Early Church Practices and Doctrinal Content

Early Christians sang psalms and hymns rich in doctrinal content, reflecting their beliefs about Christ's death and resurrection.

Examples include spiritual songs found in Timothy and Philippians that encapsulate core Christian doctrines regarding Christ’s nature and work.

Confessions and Formulas of Faith

Brief confessions linking Jesus’ name with titles like "Lord" signify belief in his resurrection; phrases like "Maranatha" affirm this faith.

Various formulas throughout the New Testament connect Christ's death with salvation, illustrating early theological understanding.

Paul's Teaching on Resurrection

In 1 Thessalonians 4:14, a formula connects belief in Christ’s resurrection with hope for believers after death.

Paul presents a four-part formula regarding resurrection found in 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, believed to be one of the earliest teachings he received directly from Christ.

Paul's Revelation Process

Discussion centers around how Paul likely received revelations during his time away in Arabia, reshaping his understanding of Jewish scriptures concerning Christ.

There are differing views on whether Paul learned these teachings from direct revelation or through early church instruction for new converts.

Understanding the Role of Instruction in Faith

The Importance of Guidance for New Believers

New believers are often given a mentor to help them understand fundamental doctrines, emphasizing that complex theological concepts should be avoided initially.

It is crucial to introduce new converts to the basic tenets of faith, such as recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord and providing scriptural foundations for their beliefs.

Paul's Teachings on Resurrection

Paul emphasizes three key facts about Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection, which are essential for understanding salvation.

The significance of Christ's death is tied to atonement for sins; it was not an accident but a necessary event in God's plan.

Evidence of Resurrection

The resurrection marks a pivotal moment where Jesus re-enters human history, transforming old realities into new ones.

Understanding the nature of appearances post-resurrection is vital; they serve as evidence rather than foundational elements of faith.

Witnesses to the Resurrection

Paul references Peter’s encounter with the resurrected Christ, highlighting that these experiences were genuine and transformative.

The Greek text suggests that God enabled Peter to see Jesus, indicating divine intervention in these encounters.

Selected Witnesses and Their Impact

Acts 10:40–41 illustrates that Jesus appeared only to chosen witnesses after His resurrection, reinforcing the authenticity of their testimonies.

Paul’s own experience on the road to Damascus serves as a powerful testament; he encountered the glorified Christ directly.

Implications for Believers Today

Paul's realization during his encounter teaches that actions against fellow believers equate to actions against Christ Himself. This highlights unity within the body of believers.

Resurrection and Its Implications

The Nature of Actions Against Love

Any action contrary to love offends not only the brother but also God, highlighting the importance of unity in the church.

Murmuring and corrupt words can harm both individuals and the community, emphasizing a need for vigilance against gossip.

Evidence of Resurrection

The protagonist of resurrection is Jesus Christ, who was sent by God, died, and rose again. This establishes Him as central to Christian faith.

Testimonies of resurrection come from those who had personal encounters with Jesus, reinforcing that these experiences are based on real interactions rather than mere beliefs.

Recipients of Resurrection Truth

The appearances of Jesus post-resurrection were to specific individuals (e.g., the twelve disciples) and over 500 witnesses, providing a strong basis for belief through multiple testimonies.

In accordance with Old Testament law, at least two or three witnesses are required for evidence; here we have many living witnesses affirming their experiences with the risen Lord.

Intentionality Behind Resurrection Accounts

The narratives surrounding resurrection serve a communal purpose within the church and carry a missionary intent to spread the message globally (Matthew 28:20).

Salvation is intricately linked to resurrection; it affirms God's plan where Jesus' death bears our sins while His resurrection offers eternal life to believers.

Understanding Death and Resurrection

Jesus’ death is not just an individual event but serves as a substitutionary sacrifice for humanity's sins—highlighting its significance in redemption theology.

Believers are incorporated into this redemptive act through faith, meaning they no longer bear penal responsibility due to Christ’s sacrificial death on their behalf.

Scriptural Context of Belief

When scripture states that "Jesus died and rose according to the scriptures," it places His actions within God's eternal redemptive plan rather than merely historical events. This underscores His central role in salvation history.

Consequences of Resurrection

Temporal and Anthropological Effects

The first consequence is an encounter with the resurrected Christ which transforms believers into new creations capable of understanding spiritual truths previously hidden from them.

This transformation leads to bold preaching among disciples as they share their experiences with others about their encounters with Jesus post-resurrection.

Church Foundation on Resurrection

The church emerges from belief in the resurrected Christ; He serves as its cornerstone through salvation, communion, identification, and sustenance within its community life.

The Assurance of Salvation in Christ

The Role of Christ and the Father

Believers, represented as "the sheep of Christ," are held securely in His omnipotent hand, ensuring they never fall from grace. This security is attributed to the Father's greater power who has given them to Jesus.

The Father provides a protective foundation by enclosing the Son's hand, symbolizing believers' safety and assurance of salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.

Experiencing Trials Under Divine Protection

God allows external afflictions into believers' lives for spiritual strengthening while maintaining their security within His hands. Psalm references highlight God's presence during distress.

Perspectives on Resurrection

Materialistic Viewpoint

A materialistic or biological perspective equates Christ's resurrection with Lazarus', viewing it merely as a temporary return to biological life before eventual death.

Some literature suggests that Jesus did not truly die on the cross but entered a coma-like state before physically resurrecting, which undermines traditional beliefs about His death.

Liberal Interpretations

Another liberal view denies Christ's physical resurrection, suggesting He was an ordinary man abandoned by God at crucifixion. They claim that the church fabricated the idea of resurrection for faith purposes.

Theological Understanding

A theological perspective describes Christ’s resurrection as an omnipotent act involving all three divine persons, raising Jesus’ body in unity with His spirit entrusted to the Father.

Nature of Resurrected Bodies

Characteristics of Resurrected Bodies

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul discusses resurrected bodies as spiritual entities with distinct characteristics compared to earthly bodies.

There is a misconception that resurrected bodies will be identical to our current ones; however, Paul illustrates that what is sown (our earthly body) transforms into something new upon resurrection.

Transformation Process Explained

Paul uses agricultural metaphors—like sowing seeds—to explain how our buried bodies will not emerge unchanged but will receive new forms aligned with our identities.

Addressing Concerns About Identity After Death

Questions arise regarding identity when parts of a deceased person are consumed or decomposed; however, God promises new resurrected bodies resembling Christ’s glorified form rather than mere reconstitutions.

Resurrection and the Nature of the Body

Understanding Corruption and Incorruption

The concept of resurrection in incorruption implies that the resurrected body will not be subject to decay; it signifies a state where corruption does not affect the new body.

The speaker reflects on aging, noting that as one approaches death, physical strength diminishes, contrasting youthful vigor with the frailty of old age.

Personal Reflections on Youth and Strength

A personal anecdote illustrates how youthful energy is fleeting; running as a young person felt invigorating, but now crossing streets requires more effort.

The discussion transitions to how our current bodies are sown in weakness and diseases but will be raised in power during resurrection.

The Role of the Soul in Resurrection

Emphasizes that our physical form is intertwined with our soul; God breathed life into humanity, creating a connection between biological existence and spiritual essence.

References Christ's resurrection, highlighting His ability to appear physically despite closed doors, affirming His tangible presence while also transcending normal physical limitations.