The Doctrines of Christ

In the will of the Lord, we will take up the grandest of all subjects: the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although it is true that no matter how much we say concerning Him, we could never say enough, or how well we speak of Him, we could always speak better, we must try. 

If we consider the life of Christ and the attributes of His person in a chronological manner from the scriptures, we are enabled to accumulate a list of “things” that are true about Him. These “things” are the “truths” of Christ and are commonly referred to as the “doctrines of Christ.” This type of study, where the doctrines of Christ are identified and explored is referred to by theologians as “Christology.” 

Why Consider The Doctrines of Christ

Why would we undertake an eight week study of the doctrines and truths related to the Lord Jesus Christ? The list of scriptural reasons for this would stretch ever long and we haven’t time or space here to numerate them all. Allow me to quote two verses from the epistle to the Hebrews:

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”  Hebrews 12:2-3 (NKJV)

The believers were exhorted to (1) “look unto Jesus,” and (2) "consider Him.” It is our prayer and desire that each one of us will be able to “fix our eyes upon” Him and “consider” Him anew. The truths and doctrines concerning Christ have been the key area of attack by the enemy of our souls from the beginning of time. It is of upmost importance that we each have a good grasp and understanding of these truths. The purpose of this teaching series then, apart from the fact that fixing our eyes on Him is always good for us, is twofold:

1. To teach those among us that are “younger” in the faith the basic doctrines of Christ from the scriptures, that they might be grounded in these most important truths.
2. To equip those among us that are “more mature” in the faith with a consecutive list of scripture references/passages which support each of the doctrines of Christ.

I have found for myself, that there are many scriptural doctrines and truths, with which I am well acquainted, but might not be able at a moments notice, to prove from the scriptures. I believe it will do us all well, as believers, to be familiar with the scriptural “proofs” of the “things concerning Himself.”

Numerated below is a list of the eight subjects (doctrines of Christ) which we plan to take up over the course of the next eight weeks. 

Series Outline

1. His Underived Eternal Sonship - Christ eternally existed in a unique relationship with God the Father .
2. His Unnatural Virgin Birth - Christ came into this world in a manner unique to Himself alone, by way of birth from a virgin.
3. His Undiminished Deity - Christ always has been (eternity past / time in this world), is (presently in heaven), and always will be (eternity to come) God.
4. His Untainted Humanity - Christ took complete humanity upon Himself, apart from sin, when He came into the world.
5. His Unfailing Impeccable Walk - Christ lived a holy and perfect life all the while He was in the world.
6. His Unequaled Death - Christ died a death unlike any other death before or after in that it was for all human beings.
7. His Undefeated Burial & Resurrection - Christ rose from death and the grave three days after He died, they had no power over Him.
8. His Unlimited Glorious Reign - Christ will rightfully reign in glory as “King of kings and Lord of lords” for all eternity.

Listen to the Audio Series

Personal Bible Study Methods that Work

How about a personal study method that is simple and works!  The methods outlined below are ideal for all Christians, to build a fuller knowledge of the Scriptures.

Tools

Here are a list of helpful tools to use.  All you really need is a good bible, a pen and paper to get started.

1. A good Bible and other versions for reference.
2. A good concordance.
3. A good commentary such as:
   •  ‘Believer’s Bible Commentary’ by William McDonald https://gospelfolio.com/product/believers-bible-commentary-second-edition/
   • ‘The Bible Knowledge Commentary’ by Walvoord & Zuck https://gospelfolio.com/product/bible-knowledge-commentary-old-new-testament-2-volumes-set/
4. Looseleaf paper.  It is important to write your thoughts down as you meditate on what you read.   I use smaller looseleaf, so it will fit in my Bible. 

First Study Method

1. Set a consistent time to read, that works for you.
2. Select a short book to start.
3. Set a goal to read one chapter per day and journal your observations.
4. Use a commentary for brief suggestions to kick start your journaling.
5. When you have finished reading a book, or at end of each week, go back over the chapters you have just read and develop lines of thought running through the book.  

Giving it a try

If you are disciplined in using this first method in reading and journaling a chapter each day,  you will accomplish something of lasting value.  The New Testament contains 260 chapters and could be read and studied all within one year.

Try not to get discouraged or bogged down with any method, make it your own.  If the chapter is two long, take two days to tackle it.  Be flexible, but disciplined.  If you miss a few days, don't give up, pick up where you left off and keep going!  I tend to struggle with spending all of my time on the first few verses of my chapter, so I am concentrating on trying to outline each chapter, then going back to individual sections as I have time. The beauty of the looseleaf journalling system, is that you can add thoughts later, next time you cover the ground, or when you hear ministry etc. I am also putting my notes on my computer, which makes it even more flexible.  Another suggestion with this method is to follow your daily family reading, that is, if you usually cover a chapter a day in it.

Note:  Use study books sparingly, as reference. What you learn through books or commentary tends to leave you, what you discover while reading tends to stay with you.

Complementary Reading Methods

It addition to spending a daily time doing more extensive journaling, setting aside another time in your day with a complementary reading method will be a blessing as well.

1. Choose a reading method to either
   • familiarize yourself with overall scripture, such as one year bible reading plans.  
   • devotional, a few verses at a time, particularly good before praying.
2. Search out cross references that are part of your reading, using a concordance can help
3. Relate one scripture to another
4. Write down your observations
5. Meditate
6. Pray

Giving it a try

These complementary reading methods can both be used throughout the week.  For example, Monday through Friday you could be following some type of "one year reading plan" and then use the more devotional style reading on Saturdays and Sundays.  An interesting fact regarding reading, the entire New Testament can be read in about sixteen and a half hours.  The entire Bible can be read in sixty-six hours.  It doesn't seem that unreasonable then to give the reading methods a try.

Final Thoughts

What I enjoy about these methods, is that they can be picked up again readily even if you cannot keep it up all the time. But using these methods tends to develop discipline in the reading and the study of God's word.  Also, the method tends to develop an overall understanding of each book in the bible.