Hypostatic (Fully God/Fully Man)

The idea that “Jesus Christ is true God and true man” is also referred to as the hypostatic union and is a central tenet of orthodox Christianity. Indeed, the Christian doctrine of salvation depends on the belief that Christ had to become fully human to share his full divinity with humanity.
(via Britannica)

Colossians 2:8-10

⁸ Watch out that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ⁹ For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.

More than just theological details

Jesus’ divine nature presents a massive stumbling block for non-Christians. How can he be God and a human? It’s also one of the greatest distinctions between Christianity and other religions: no other God became human. Like the Trinity, the hypostatic union provides a conceptual explanation for a theological belief at the crux of the Christian faith. If we don’t understand this doctrine or how we got it, we’re left with flimsy answers to important questions–questions which become barriers to faith for some people. We may find ourselves having to shrug at crucial Christian beliefs, or worse, provide answers that drive people further away from Christ. If we want people to accept Christ as their Lord and savior and experience the life-changing forgiveness and love he offers, we need to be able to tell them about who is offering that salvation. It’s God in the flesh.

-Michael F. Bird, Theologian, “What is Hypostatic Union” (2018)
                                                                                                                                               

Reflection & Prayer

Are there parts of Christianity that you feel ill-equipped to discuss? Where you have “flimsy answers”? How can you engage with opportunities to learn for the sake of others?