Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung: "What Is the State of Humiliation?" Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung
- Host/Author: Crossway
- Description: In this weekly podcast, pastor, bestselling author, and associate professor of systematic theology Kevin DeYoung explores significant theological topics over the course of a year.
- Episode: What Is the State of Humiliation?
- Release Date: July 15, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
In the episode titled "What Is the State of Humiliation?", Kevin DeYoung delves deep into the theological concept of Christ's states—specifically, the state of humiliation and the state of exaltation. This discussion is a continuation from Part 1 of Christology, shifting focus from Christ's person to His work.
Defining the Two States: Humiliation and Exaltation
Kevin DeYoung begins by clarifying the theological terminology:
- State of Humiliation: Refers to Christ's position under the law, where He faced its demands and suffering.
- State of Exaltation: Represents Christ's position after overcoming the law's curse, living free and glorified.
He emphasizes that these states are not geographical but theological positions that reflect Christ's relationship to the law.
"In one state, Christ lived under the law, facing all its demands, and in the other state, Christ lived free from the law, having vanquished its curse." [02:20]
Stages Within Each State
DeYoung outlines the five stages of humiliation and the four stages of exaltation, as traditionally understood:
State of Humiliation:
- Incarnation
- Suffering
- Death
- Burial
- Descent into Hell
"We can hear this once you have ears to hear it. In the Apostles Creed, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, crucified, died, buried, descended into hell." [04:15]
State of Exaltation:
- Resurrection
- Ascension
- Session
- Return
"On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, where he sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead." [04:45]
Biblical Foundations for the Two States
Kevin underscores several biblical passages that illustrate the dynamics of humiliation and exaltation:
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Hebrews 2:7:
"You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor." [05:10]
-
Psalm 118:
Discusses the "stone the builders rejected" becoming the "cornerstone," symbolizing transformation from humiliation to glory.
-
Luke 24:26, 1 Peter 1:10-11: Highlight Christ's journey through suffering to glory.
-
Philippians 2:
"Therefore God has highly exalted him and given him the name above every name." [08:30]
DeYoung emphasizes the necessity of recognizing both states to fully understand Christ's work and the Christian life.
"If we just talk about Christ in a state of glory, then we don't have an accurate view of what he accomplished." [09:00]
Deep Dive into the State of Humiliation
Focusing on the state of humiliation, DeYoung explores its components as outlined in the Apostles Creed:
1. Incarnation and Suffering
-
Incarnation: While some theologians separate incarnation from humiliation, DeYoung argues that for Christ, taking on human flesh involved setting aside His divine glory.
"To take on human flesh meant for the Son of God that he would be born into poverty, that His Deity would be partially veiled." [10:20]
-
Suffering: Christ's entire life was marked by suffering, not just the Passion. He experienced:
- Physical Pain: Flogging, beating, crucifixion.
- Emotional Turmoil: Deep sorrow, isolation.
"Christ was flogged, beaten, spat upon, crucified... no one faced the wrath of God more than Christ did." [13:45]
2. Death and Burial
-
Death: Christ's quick death on the cross highlighted His complete abandonment.
"Judas betrayed him. His friends fell asleep in the hour of his deepest need." [15:10]
-
Burial: Symbolizes Christ receiving what sinners deserve, reinforcing His humiliation.
"The grave was the place of death, the place of corruption... another state of his humiliation." [16:25]
3. Descent into Hell
-
Controversy: The phrase "descent into hell" has been debated, with questions about its biblical basis and historical usage.
"Almost every time we recite it in Christ's Covenant Worship, someone will ask me about this phrase, descent into hell." [17:00]
-
Interpretations:
- Literal Descent: DeYoung finds insufficient scriptural support.
- Harrowing of Hell: Traditional view of Christ freeing souls in limbo.
- Theological Reformed Views:
- Calvin’s Perspective: Emphasis on Christ’s profound abandonment and suffering.
- Heidelberg Catechism: Sees it as Christ suffering the torments of hell, providing assurance to believers.
"I find in it a reminder that Christ's humiliation included the torments of hell and the vanquishing of the devil." [22:10]
DeYoung advocates for understanding "descent into hell" as synonymous with Christ’s profound suffering and abandonment, rather than a physical descent into a specific location.
Historical Perspectives and Theological Interpretations
Kevin acknowledges historical interpretations from the early and medieval church:
- Harrowing of Hell: Christ’s mission to liberate souls.
- Literal Descent: Physical movement to an underworld locale.
However, he prefers Reformed interpretations that focus on the spiritual and relational aspects of Christ's suffering and triumph.
"I think this is a better way to understand the phrase 'descend into hell,' the hellish torments." [20:45]
Conclusion: The Importance of Both States
DeYoung concludes by stressing that understanding both the state of humiliation and the state of exaltation is crucial for:
- Accurate Doctrine: Ensuring a complete view of Christ’s work.
- Christian Living: Reflecting Christ’s humility and anticipating His glory in believers’ lives.
"The purpose was not just to suffer, that he might sympathize with us, but that he might vanquish sin and death." [21:30]
He encourages listeners to embrace the fullness of Christ's journey from humiliation to exaltation as foundational to their faith and theological understanding.
Final Thoughts
In this episode of Doctrine Matters, Kevin DeYoung provides a comprehensive exploration of the state of humiliation in Christology, offering insightful theological analysis supported by scripture and historical perspectives. This nuanced discussion not only deepens the listener's understanding of Christ's work but also underscores the transformative impact of His sacrifice and triumph.
Notable Quotes:
- "Christ was made a little lower than the angels... so made low humiliation, and was crowned with glory and honor. That's exaltation." [05:10]
- "If we just talk about Christ in a state of glory, then we don't have an accurate view of what he accomplished." [09:00]
- "I find in it a reminder that Christ's humiliation included the torments of hell and the vanquishing of the devil." [22:10]
Resources Mentioned:
- Heidelberg Catechism
- Philippians 2
- 1 Peter 1, 2, and 4
- Hebrews 2:7
- Psalm 8 & 118
- Luke 24:26
For further exploration, DeYoung recommends his year-long mini systematic theology book, "Daily Doctrine," available in print or audio from Crossway.org.
This summary captures the essence of Kevin DeYoung's exploration of the state of humiliation in Christology, providing a structured and comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.