Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung: What Is the Hypostatic Union?

Release Date: June 24, 2025

In the June 24, 2025 episode of Doctrine Matters, host Kevin DeYoung delves deep into the intricate theological concept of the Hypostatic Union. This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of Christology, unpacking the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ—a foundational doctrine in Christian theology.

1. Introduction to Doctrine Matters

Kevin DeYoung opens the discussion by outlining the podcast's mission:

“In this weekly podcast, we explore the rich doctrine of the Christian faith. We'll pull from the church's long history, complex debates, and over the course of the year, the hope is that we'll begin to frame out what is a clear, accessible, systematic theology.”
(00:05)

This sets the stage for an in-depth examination of theological topics, aiming to make complex doctrines understandable and relatable.

2. Defining the Hypostatic Union

The episode centers on the Hypostatic Union, a term that might seem challenging but is broken down for clarity.

Unnamed Theologian explains:

“Hypostatic union refers to the union of two natures in one person, a human nature and a divine nature in the one person, Jesus Christ.”
(00:45)

This union asserts that Jesus possesses both a fully human nature and a fully divine nature without blending or separation.

3. Understanding 'Nature' in Theology

To grasp the Hypostatic Union, it's essential to understand what "nature" signifies in this context.

Unnamed Co-Host prompts the discussion:

“Let's talk about some of these particular terms. Nature.”
(01:22)

Unnamed Theologian elaborates:

“By nature we mean the essential qualities of a thing... the dogginess of a dog is its nature. The nature of a thing refers to the substance possessed in common with the other things of that same nature.”
(01:25)

This analogy clarifies that "nature" pertains to the fundamental characteristics that define an entity, distinguishing essential traits from non-essential variations.

4. Distinguishing Between Person and Nature

The conversation shifts to the term "person" and its role in the Hypostatic Union.

Unnamed Co-Host states:

“So let's talk about the word person. We've encountered this word before when talking about the Trinity. Here the stress is on the Incarnate Son.”
(02:38)

Unnamed Theologian clarifies:

“Christ has one self, you might say, not two selves. So we talk about human nature, divine nature, not two selves coming together, but one self, a unified person.”
(02:52)

This emphasizes that Jesus is one person with two distinct natures, avoiding the misconception of dual personalities.

5. Clarifying Common Misconceptions

To prevent misunderstandings, the discussion addresses potential theological errors.

Unnamed Theologian warns:

“We put out of bounds any other conception, a heresy whereby God only reveals himself in modes of being or that Jesus only appeared to be human, or that Jesus was not God in the same way that the Father was.”
(14:27)

This safeguards the orthodox understanding that Jesus is fully God and fully man, not merely appearing or adopting divinity.

6. Communication of Idiomata

A pivotal part of the episode discusses the Communication of Idiomata, a doctrine that explains how properties of both natures can be attributed to the single person of Christ.

Unnamed Co-Host introduces the concept:

“It's better to think of a communication of properties or communication of attributes.”
(09:46)

Unnamed Theologian provides examples:

“We can say Christ took a nap in the boat. We would not say the divine nature gets sleepy... we should not say the world was created through the human nature.”
(10:54)

This doctrine ensures that while Jesus operates as one person, His actions and attributes can be rightly ascribed to either nature without confusion.

7. Theotokos and Mary’s Role

The discussion touches on the title Theotokos ("God-bearer") used for Mary, highlighting its significance in affirming the Hypostatic Union.

Unnamed Theologian explains:

“Mary was personalized in its union with the Logos. The Son of God took upon himself a human nature... Mary gave birth to a person in whom there is a union of two natures.”
(13:28)

This distinction clarifies that Mary bore Jesus, the God-man, rather than imparting divinity to Himself, preserving the integrity of both natures.

8. The Mystery and Importance of the Hypostatic Union

Unnamed Co-Host summarizes the enigmatic nature of the Hypostatic Union:

“Here's the mystery of the hypostatic union... the union of human nature and divine.”
(14:24)

Unnamed Theologian adds:

“It's a wonderful mystery that the person of the Incarnate Son is visible and invisible, passable and impassable... mortal and immortal.”
(14:27)

This underscores the profound and paradoxical nature of Christ's dual natures coexisting seamlessly in one person.

9. Guarding Against Heresies

The episode concludes by reaffirming the importance of maintaining orthodox beliefs about the Hypostatic Union and rejecting heretical views.

Unnamed Theologian states:

“We don't want to say Mary just gave birth to a nature, or she gave birth to part of the divine Son of God, but she gave birth to a person.”
(14:24)

This reinforces the necessity of upholding the doctrine that Jesus embodies both divinity and humanity fully and indivisibly.

10. Conclusion and Encouragement

Kevin DeYoung wraps up the episode with a call to subscribe and engage further:

“Our hope and prayer is that this has been helpful to you as you look at Scripture and try to understand the best of our theological tradition as Christians.”
(16:03)

Listeners are encouraged to deepen their understanding through additional resources and continue exploring theological doctrines.

Key Takeaways

• Hypostatic Union: The union of Jesus Christ's divine and human natures in one person.
• Nature vs. Person: Distinguishes between the essential characteristics (natures) and the unified self (person) of Christ.
• Communication of Idiomata: Allows for attributes of both natures to be ascribed to the single person of Christ without confusion.
• Theotokos: Affirming that Mary bore Jesus, the God-man, not imparting divinity to Himself.
• Orthodox Assurance: Emphasizes safeguarding against heresies that dilute or distort the true nature of Christ's dual natures.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Doctrine Matters offers a profound and accessible exploration of the Hypostatic Union, reinforcing essential Christian doctrines about the nature of Jesus Christ. Through clear definitions, practical examples, and theological insights, Kevin DeYoung and his co-host guide listeners towards a deeper appreciation of this central mystery of the Christian faith.

For those seeking to further their understanding, consider exploring Kevin DeYoung's "Daily Doctrine" book or visiting Crossway.org for additional resources.