Doctrine Matters Podcast Summary
Title: What Is Christology?
Host: Kevin DeYoung
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Podcast Series: Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung
Produced by: Crossway
Introduction to Christology
In the episode "What Is Christology?" Kevin DeYoung delves into the theological study of the person and work of Jesus Christ. This foundational topic explores who Jesus is, His divine and human nature, and how He fulfills Old Testament prophecies and expectations. DeYoung emphasizes the importance of understanding Christology to grasp the richness and beauty of God's word.
Quote:
"In Christology, we want to look at the person of Christ and the work of Christ." [00:45]
Biblical Foundations of Christology
DeYoung begins by highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, illustrating how Jesus' arrival was anticipated and foretold throughout scripture. He references Genesis 3:15, where God promises the coming of a deliverer, setting the stage for messianic expectations.
Key Points:
- Genesis 3:15 Prophecy: Introduction of the seed of the woman who will crush the serpent's head.
- Multiple Messianic Titles: From Abraham's seed to the Prince of Peace, Jesus embodies numerous Old Testament types and prophecies.
Quote:
"The Old Testament is full of not only types that will be fulfilled in the coming of Christ, but these prophecies, this messianic expectation." [02:08]
Jesus as the Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy
DeYoung focuses on the Gospel of Matthew, which portrays Jesus as the culmination of Israel's history and the embodiment of messianic fulfillment. He draws parallels between key events in Israel's story and significant moments in Jesus' life, demonstrating how Matthew intentionally connects Jesus to these foundational narratives.
Key Parallels:
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Genealogy and New Genesis: Matthew begins with Jesus' genealogy, likening it to a new Genesis that marks the start of a new era.
Quote:
"Jesus is the beginning of... It's a continuation of the story. But it is a turn of the page to a new age in this story." [03:06]
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Flight to Egypt and Exodus: Just as Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, Jesus' infancy involved a flight to Egypt to escape Herod's decree, symbolizing a new Exodus.
Quote:
"Just as the Israelites left Egypt and passed through the Red Sea... Jesus leaves Egypt, passes through the waters in his baptism." [03:35-03:50]
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Temptation in the Desert: Jesus' 40 days of temptation mirror Israel's 40 years in the wilderness, positioning Him as the faithful successor who fulfills what Israel failed to do.
Quote:
"In Matthew 4, he's in the desert, about to be tempted. For 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus is fulfilling Israel's history." [04:03-04:15]
Titles and Names of Jesus in the New Testament
DeYoung enumerates the various titles and names attributed to Jesus in the New Testament, each reflecting different aspects of His nature and mission. He underscores the theological significance behind these names, illustrating the multifaceted identity of Christ.
List of Notable Names and Titles:
- The Word Made Flesh
- Emmanuel (God with us)
- The Lamb of God
- The Bread of Life
- The King of the Jews
- The Way, the Truth, and the Life
- The Image of the Invisible God
- The Radiance of the Glory of God
- The Exact Imprint of His Nature
- Our Advocate
- Our High Priest
- The Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
- Alpha and Omega
- The Almighty
- King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Quote:
"In a short summary, you just think of a few of them. He's the Word made flesh, Emmanuel. God with us. The Lamb of God..." [06:32-06:49]
The Significance of "Christ" and "Son of God"
DeYoung distinguishes between the titles "Christ" (meaning "Anointed One" or "Messiah") and "Son of God," explaining their theological implications. He emphasizes that recognizing Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God is central to Christian faith.
Key Points:
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Jesus is the Christ: Over 500 times in the New Testament, affirming His role as the promised Messiah.
Quote:
"Jesus is the Christ, meaning anointed one, the equivalent of Messiah." [07:29-07:42]
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Jesus as the Son of God: Highlights His unique relationship with the Father, underscoring His divinity and role in God's revelation.
Quote:
"He is God's beloved Son, only begotten Son, a son equal to the Father." [07:43-07:50]
Jesus as the "Son of Man" and His Divinity
DeYoung explores the title "Son of Man," clarifying that it is not merely a reference to Jesus' humanity but a profound affirmation of His divinity. Drawing from Daniel 7, he explains how Jesus' self-identification as the Son of Man aligns with divine authority and eternal existence.
Key Points:
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Origin of the Title: From Daniel 7, depicting the divine Son of Man approaching the Ancient of Days.
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Jesus' Usage: Frequently refers to Himself as the Son of Man, signaling His divine authority and eternal nature.
Quote:
"The Son of Man as a title is actually one of the best statements of his divinity. The imagery comes from Daniel, chapter seven." [08:02-08:17]
"Lord" and "God" – Affirmations of Divinity
DeYoung further explores the titles "Lord" (Kurios) and "God," emphasizing their role in affirming Jesus' divine status.
Key Points:
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Lord (Kurios): While it can be a respectful address, in the New Testament, it denotes Jesus' exalted and divine status.
Quote:
"Kurios... normally speaks of Jesus, exalted. Divine status, that God has made him Lord." [08:26-08:43]
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Jesus is God: Explicitly stated multiple times in the New Testament, asserting His equality with God the Father.
Quote:
"At least seven times Jesus is explicitly called God... Christ is God overall. He is our great God and Savior." [08:44-09:06]
The "I Am" Statements in John's Gospel
DeYoung highlights Jesus' "I Am" statements in the Gospel of John, drawing a parallel to God's self-identification in Exodus 3:14. These declarations are powerful affirmations of His divine identity and role in salvation.
Key Points:
- Significance of "I Am": Echoes God's declaration to Moses, establishing His eternal existence and divinity.
- Examples of "I Am" Statements:
- "I who speak to you am he." [09:06-09:14] [04:00] - John 4:26
- "It is I who do." [10:14] [06:49] - John 6:20
- "Unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins." [10:16-10:18] - John 8:24
Quote:
"In John's Gospel, these are striking echo of Exodus 3:14. So in John 4:26 he says I who speak to you am he." [09:53-10:14]
Jesus' Self-Awareness and Divine Authority
DeYoung concludes by emphasizing that Jesus was fully aware of His divine identity and did not hesitate to declare Himself as both Lord and God. This self-awareness underscores the centrality of faith in Him for salvation.
Key Points:
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Jesus as the Object of Faith: Affirmed through His declarations and titles, making Him the rightful recipient of worship and trust.
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Call to Believe: Encourages believers to recognize and accept Jesus' divine identity and lordship.
Quote:
"Jesus is... the object of saving faith. In fact, Jesus does not hesitate to say... Believe also in Me." [10:40-10:45]
Conclusion
In "What Is Christology?", Kevin DeYoung offers a comprehensive exploration of who Jesus Christ is, weaving together Old Testament prophecies, New Testament affirmations, and the profound theological significance of His titles and identities. This episode serves as an essential guide for understanding the person and work of Christ, encouraging listeners to delve deeper into the richness of Christian doctrine.
Final Quote:
"If we have ears to hear, we will know who he is as well." [10:49]
Further Resources: For those interested in a deeper dive into Christology and systematic theology, Kevin DeYoung recommends his year-long mini systematic theology book, "Daily Doctrine," available in print or audio from Crossway.org.