The Creed and the Scriptures
This week, our phrase is: “and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,“
This phrase addresses the central question: who is Jesus, according to Christianity? It presents a claim about His identity and authority, which we will understand by looking at some key passages of Scripture.
Some of the words we will use may feel dense or unfamiliar. These words help us organize what the Scripture teaches. They’re meant to bring clarity to complex revelation. As you see them used, their meaning will become easier to follow and apply when reading Scripture.
Nature and Person
To understand what the Creed says about Jesus Christ, it will help us to understand two key terms: nature and person. Nature refers to what God is, the one, indivisible divine being. Person refers to who God is, referring to the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.
These categories reflect the consistent witness of Scripture. Christians often explain this by saying that in God there is one “what” and three “who’s.” The one “what” is the divine nature, and the three “who’s” are the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.
Each person fully possesses the one divine nature, so God is one in being and three in person. This way of speaking holds together both God’s unity and the real distinction between the persons. Without these terms, it can become difficult to speak clearly about God’s work in humanity.
Reading Scripture Christologically
Christians read the Bible in a way often called a Christological reading of Scripture. This approach seeks to understand earlier texts in light of Jesus Christ’s claim that they point to Him.
Jesus is explicit about this pattern after His resurrection. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). He also says, “everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44). These statements show that the Scriptures ultimately point to Him.
The Apostle’s continue this same approach, and treat Scripture as a unified account. As we will see, language from the Psalms is applied directly to the Son, implying the earlier text has reached it’s fullest meaning in Him.
The Son as Revealer and Lord
The letter to the Hebrews is valuable to teach us what it means to confess Jesus as the Son and as Lord. He is called “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3), indicating that He fully expresses God’s being. He is not separate from God’s identity but shares in it.
The same passage says that He “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3). This describes an ongoing authority over all creation, not something temporary or limited. His rule continues at all times and over all things.
After making “purification for sins,” He “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). This is a position of rule alongside the Father. His saving work and His reign belong together and both show who He is.
Only Begotten Son and Heir
The phrase “only Son” describes a unique relationship between the Son and the Father. Scripture says, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you” (Hebrews 1:5), which in its original setting referred to a king chosen by God. When this is applied to Christ, it carries a deeper meaning.
This sonship is not tied to a single moment in time but belongs to His identity. He did not become the Son at some point; He is eternally the Son in relation to the Father. This keeps both the distinction of persons and the unity of the divine nature intact.
The text also calls Him “the heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2). This shows that His authority over creation belongs to Him by who He is, not by assignment. What He rules over matches His identity.
Exalted and Unchanging King
The Son is shown to be above all created beings through the way Scripture speaks about Him. The command, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (Hebrews 1:13), expresses authority and final victory. No other figure is addressed in this way.
Scripture also says, “You remain… you are the same, and your years will have no end” (Hebrews 1:11–12). This points to an unchanging and eternal identity, something that belongs to God alone.
Most directly, the Father speaks to Him and says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8). This clearly identifies the Son as God. Because of this, He is understood to fully share in the divine nature.
Summary
The Creed makes a clear claim about who Jesus is. Jesus is truly God, He fully reveals God, and He holds authority over all creation. Scripture supports this by applying language about God directly to the Son.
Hopefully, you’ve learned more about the unity of the God’s divine nature, and the distinction of the persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Reading Scripture in this way shows how the whole biblical story culminates in Him and His work. The Creed brings these ideas into a short and clear statement.
How to apply this right now?
This week’s article is more “thoughtful” than it is “practical.” I invite you to reflect on the following:
- Read Psalm 8 Christologically, where might it’s description of humanity and authority point beyond itself to Christ?
- Read Matthew 3:16–17, how are the Father, Son, and Spirit spoken about in relation to one another?