What is the Hypostatic union in Christianity?

Hypostatic union is a rich term which carries deep theological significance. The hypostatic union is a central doctrine in our Christian creed which is non negotiable. The hypostatic union helps us to better comprehend the nature of Christ. It is a term used to describe the two distinct natures of Christ, namely his divine and human nature. The divine and human nature united in one hypostasis, is what we call the hypostatic union. The union of the divine and human nature in Christ with each nature retaining their essential attributes is what we call the hypostatic union, see proof-text (Colossians 2; 9, John 1-3, 14, Philippians 2: 6-8). In simple language, the hypostatic union means that Jesus is both God and Man at the same time.

Avoid these Erroneous Teachings

It is amazing that many people out there have a distorted view about the hypostatic union, which has gravely affected their Christology to their own detriment. Some people believe that there are two Christ's, one who is human and another who is God. Such teaching is deceptive and does not accord with what the holy writ teaches with respect to who Jesus really is. There are no two Christ's, there is only One person whom the bible describes as both God and Man simultaneously and he is the Jesus in the bible (1 Timothy 3; 16).

Another sect also believes that Jesus ceased to be God when he took on flesh. Their prooftext can be found where Paul says that Jesus in his incarnation, "emptied himself" and became a human being (Philippians 2; 7). They believe that Jesus laid aside his divine nature in order to take on flesh. So based on their exposition, during the days of his flesh, Jesus was only human and not God, because he exchanged his divine nature for his human nature. But such teaching is not consistent with the whole counsel of God with respect to the nature of Christ. Can God cease to be God, even for a few seconds? Certainly not. God's nature as God is eternal, he was and still is and will forever be God. On earth, Jesus still retained his divine essence, consubstantial with the other members of the trinity, and yet fully Human as well. So Jesus did not lay aside his divine nature for the sake of his incarnation, but in taking on flesh he still retained his divine nature. But of a truth, on earth his human nature as it were veiled his divine nature, so when you see him, you might be tempted to relate with him as a mere Man, but yea, he was more than human, he was God manifested in human flesh (John 1; 1, 14).

Others also assert that Jesus was half human and half God. This teaching also is not in unison with what the holy scriptures teaches about Jesus. What the bible teaches about Jesus is that he was and still is perfect in Godhood and perfect in Manhood as well, he is 100 percent God and 100 percent Human

Others also utterly deny his deity. This view is particularly prevalent in our days. Many people are willing to accept him as Human, but are unwilling to accept him as God. They will fight you when you unabashedly asserts his deity. The truth about his deity is ubiquitous in the pages of the holy writ, both the old and the new testaments. If you want to learn more about the deity of Christ, I encourage you to check out my blog post, "Is Jesus Christ God? or Did Jesus ever claim to be God? for an in-depth study.

The doctrine of the hypostatic union is biblical, hence, any other teachings in antithesis to it must be rejected as unbiblical 

Scriptural Evidences for the Hypostatic union 

When you carefully study the scriptures, you will realize that Jesus spoke and did things that only God could do. Jesus spoke as God: "Yeshua said to them, "Yes, indeed! Before Avraham came into being, I AM!" At this, they picked up stones to throw at him; but Yeshua was hidden and left the Temple grounds. - John 8:58-59. This is a statement of his preexistence, as God he existed before time began, he existed before Abraham. The unbelieving Jews understood his claim to deity, for that was the reason why they picked up stones to stone him for blasphemy. He also said at another place: For the Son of Man is Lord of [Shabbat]!" - Matthew 12:8. We know that God instituted the Sabbath and Jesus is here claiming to be Lord of the Sabbath. This means that Jesus is the creator or the institutor of the Sabbath and a such he has authority over it. This is a statement that a mere person cannot make, save God. 

Jesus also said, ""My Father has handed over everything to me. Indeed, no one fully knows the Son except the Father, and no one fully knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. - Matthew 11:27. I love this text, because it reveals the eternal and intimate relationship which exists between the members of the Godhead. The father knows who the Son is and the Son also knows who the father is. They have an in-depth knowledge about one another. Jesus is here revealing his eternal nature as One with the father. It is only God who can utter such divine words

Jesus also did things that only God could do. Jesus exercised his divine prerogative to forgive sins, ''Some [Torah]-teachers sitting there thought to themselves, "How can this fellow say such a thing? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except God?" But immediately Yeshua, perceiving in his spirit what they were thinking, said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier to say to the paralyzed man? 'Your sins are forgiven'? or 'Get up, pick up your stretcher and walk'? But look! I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins."(Mark 2; 6-10). 

We also see Jesus exhibiting human attributes and operating within human limitations. As human, he wept (John 11; 35), he rejoiced in spirit (Luke 10; 21), he ate (Matthew 11; 19), he was tired and thirsty (John 4; 6-8) and died (John 19; 30).  All this proves that Jesus was truly human just like the rest of us, but only that he was without sin (Hebrews 4; 15).

On earth and even now at the right hand of the father, Jesus is both God and Man at the same time, he will forever be the GodMan.  How Jesus can be both God and Man at the same time in itself is a deep mystery, which our finite minds cannot fully fathom. What we are called to do is to hold  unto the truth revealed to us, so we might not fall into grievous error. The primary reason why God became incarnate was because of our eternal salvation, for which we are eternally grateful (Matthew 1; 21). God bless you

A thought to ponder 🤔 

 How Jesus can be both God and Man at the same time in itself is a deep mystery, which our finite minds cannot fully fathom.

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