Christology – fredzaspel.com

Christology Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

For Whom Did Christ Die?

Definition The question at issue here is whether Christ died with the intention of saving his elect only or if he had a wider intention in view. Summary After defining the question and the related terminology I will argue for “particular redemption” by surveying direct biblical statements and then the Bible’s related theological reasoning. Finally, […]

Christology Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

Jesus Christ, the Son of Man

Definition The designation Son of Man means, for Jesus, both that he is human as we are, a son of Adam, and that he is the coming Messiah, who has been given authority by the Most High and reigns over his kingdom through his weakness, seen most clearly at the cross. Summary While the expression […]

Christology Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

Jesus’ Resurrection, Our Justification

Definition The resurrection of Christ is the divine announcement of Christ’s vindication as well as all those who are in Christ. Summary This essay will recap the doctrine of justification, primarily from Romans 3-4, and then examine the relation of justification to Christ’s resurrection according to Romans 4:25 and 1 Timothy 3:16. Romans 3-8 is […]

Christology Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

The Theology of Sacrifice

Definition The biblical idea of sacrifice concerns the way of approach to God, finding acceptance before him by means of an acceptable substitute offered in place of the sinner and bearing the curse of sin. Summary This essay surveys the idea of sacrifice through the Old Testament in order to determine its intended significance. Next, […]

Christology Fred Zaspel | June 18, 2018

The Wrath of God and the Gospel

Preachers today often complain that the concept of sin is so foreign to today’s postmodern mind that it seems nearly impossible to get across. Indeed. But if this is so (perhaps we should say, because this is so), the concept of divine wrath is still more difficult. How could God be angry—much less very angry—with us? But of course the notions of […]

Christology Fred Zaspel | May 1, 2013

Who is Jesus?

In Matthew chapter 16 Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But who do you say I am?” Jesus asked. And so Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of […]

Christology Fred Zaspel | December 1, 2012

Jesus the Divine Word

The apostle John is the only Biblical writer to refer to Jesus as “the Word.” He employs the other more usual titles also — Christ (Messiah), Lord, King, Lamb, etc. — but this one is unique to John. He begins his Gospel, his account of the earthly life of Jesus, by introducing Jesus as “the […]