the Fourth Week of Advent
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Bible Dictionaries
Christ
Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary
or One of the adorable names of the Lord Jesus, and signifying the Anointed of JEHOVAH. It is precisely the same word as Messiah in the original Hebrew. The name Christ, specially and particularly, means the union of both natures in the person of the Lord Jesus, both divine and human; and as such becoming the Christ of God. The Scriptures are express and clear, in a great variety of instances, in proof of his eternal power and GODHEAD, being "one with the Father over all, God blessed for ever." (Romans 9:5; John 1:1; Matthew 3:17) And no less in testimony of his human nature. (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:9-18) But when we speak of Christ, we neither mean Son of God only, nor Man only, but include both natures, constituting one person, the glorious Head of his body the church, "the fulness of Him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)
As the clear apprehension of the person of our Lord Jesus Christ is not only among the first things to be rightly impressed upon the mind, but the very first and most essential of all others, for the full enjoyment of our interest in him, I hope that I shall be forgiven, if I somewhat exceed the ordinary limits I have hitherto observed, under the several articles. Before I enter upon the subject, I beg first to remark, that the general errors we have run into concerning the forming of a proper apprehension of the person of Christ, hath arisen from misinterpreting Scripture on this point. Some parts of the word of God speak wholly of Christ's GODHEAD, and some of his manhood. And in those we cannot err. But the error ariseth from making application of those passages which refer to Christ, under both as God-man Mediator, and concluding that they speak of him are holding him forth as Christ only, that is, God and man in one person. To this one cause must be ascribed the origin of all the Arian, Socinian, and Unitarian heresy. A small attention to the Scriptures, with this discrimination, will be sufficient to explain, and, I hope, set this important subject in a clear light.
Among many portions of God's word, which might be brought forward in proof, by way of illustration, I beg to refer to those two memorable passages in the first chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Colossians (Colossians 1:1-29), and his Epistle to the Hebrews. When, as in the former, the apostle saith, "he is the Image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature; for by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth;" nothing can be more plain, than that this could never be said of the Son of God, as the Son of God only, for in his GODHEAD, he could never be said to be "the first born of every creature;" neither could it be of the Lord Jesus as man only, for then, how could "all things be created by him that are in heaven, and in earth?" But if we read the whole passage, as the apostle evidently meant it, with an eye to Christ, as the Christ of God, that is, God and man in one person, constituting God-man Mediator; in this sense every, difficulty vanisheth. For then Christ is, indeed, in his human nature, "the image of the invisible God," set up as the covenant Head of his church from everlasting. And though not openly manifested until the fulness of time, yet secretly, and as "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." (Revelation 13:8) And no less Christ in his divine nature, he is here represented as testified in those acts of the GODHEAD; for creation can belong to none but God. And by the union of both God and man in one person he is the Christ of God, "by whom all things were created, and by whom all things consist." For as God only, there was nothing created that could stand in union with him. And as man only, neither of those acts could have been exercised and carried on, but in the union and junction of both; his GODHEAD gives power to the whole of what is here ascribed to him, and his manhood united to the GODHEAD, renders him the suited Head of all creation, and upholder of all, that "in all things he might have the pre-eminence."
Similar to the same plain and obvious truths, is that memorable passage also of Paul's first chapter to the Hebrews. "God (saith the apostle), who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past to the fathers by the prophets, hath, in these last days, spoken unto us by his Son."Then follows the office-character of Christ, as Christ, in the Son of God assuming our nature, and taking it into union with the GODHEAD, thereby becoming Christ. "Whom he hath appointed heir of all things." How appointed? Not surely, as God only, for in this case the appointment was not only unnecessary, but impossible, for the Son of God, as God, possessed in common with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, the absolute inheritance of all things from all eternity. He could receive nothing in this sense, being "one with the Father over all, God blessed for ever." (Romans 9:5) But if considered as Christ, that is, God-man Mediator, he then receives the appointment, as heir of all things, and Lord of all things, and in whom all things might be gathered. (Ephesians 1:10; Eph 1:22-23)
Read, in this point of view, the whole chapter is as plain and intelligible as words can render it: "Who being the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," etc. Who was it purged our sins? Not the Son of God as God only. Not the Son of man as man only. But Christ as Christ; that is, God and man in one person. It was essential to salvation, that Christ should offer himself for a sacrifice, for "without shedding of blood there is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22) Hence, the Son of God is introduced, under the spirit of prophecy, (Psalms 40:1-17 and explained by Hebrews 10:1-39) as saying, "A body hast thou prepared me." But that that sacrifice might possess an infinite dignity and value, it must be united to the GODHEAD. And hence, in the union of both, there is an everlasting efficacy and glory in Christ's once offering of himself; once offered, not only to take away the sins of the whole world, but to bring in a redundancy of glory to JEHOVAH, which will continue for ever and ever. When, therefore, Christ, as Christ, had by himself purged our sins, He, the Christ of God, God-man in one person, "sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high." And who was it that the apostle saith, in this same chapter, was anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows? Whom are the angels commanded to worship, when JEHOVAH brings in this first begotten into the world? Not surely, the Son of God as God only, neither the Son of man as man only; for of either, separately, these things could never be spoken. But it is of Christ, as Christ, the Christ of God, both natures united, and forming one glorious Mediator, suited to make up (and which, to the praise of the riches of his grace, he hath most completely done), the deadly breach which sin had made between God and man. And now having accomplished redemption by his blood, he is, and ever will be, the One glorious object of adoration, love, and praise, to all the creation of God, angels, and men, to all eternity. Such then is Christ.
It will be proper, for the better apprehension of Christ, as Christ, having thus explained the scriptural account of his person, to add to this account what the word of God hath revealed of his office, and character, and relation. In his office, we behold him undertaking and finishing the whole work of redemption. In his character, he stands forth as the great representative of his people. And in his relation to us, he comes home endeared to our warmest affection, not only in what he hath done for us, but for the nearness of affinity in which he is united to us; seeing that he fills all relations, for he is, in one and the same moment, our ever lasting Father, our Husband, Brother, Friend.
Moreover, to these views of Christ must be added, that He is the One great and glorious object of which the whole law, types, prophecies, and revelations point; and in whom they all, like rays of light converging to one centre, find their end and termination. He is the great sum and substance of all the promises of the Bible. Without him they are void of meaning, and never to be fulfilled; but in him they are all yea, and amen. In a word, Christ is the one glorious repository of all things in heaven and in earth, the fulness that filleth all in all. The church upon earth hath no resource for life and grace, but in him; neither hath the church in heaven to derive glory from, but the Lord Jesus.
It will form no improper conclusion to this account of Christ, if we add to it the names by which Christ is revealed in his sacred word, under the several views there given of him as God, as man, and as God-man Mediator. Distinct views of him under each, after what hath been said, will, it is hoped, be very acceptable to the gracious mind, and be owned and blessed of the Lord. - And first as God...
He is the Alpha and Omega, Revelation 1:8; Rev 1:11.
He is the blessed and only Potentate, King of kings, and Lord of lords, 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14.
The brightness of his Father's glory, Hebrews 1:3.
The Creator of Israel, Isaiah 43:15.
Emmanuel, God with us, Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23.
Eternal life, 1 John 5:20.
The Everlasting Father, Isaiah 9:6.
The faithful witness, Revelation 1:5; 1 John 5:7.
The first and the last, Revelation 1:17; Rev 2:8.
God in common with the Father and the Holy Ghost, John 1:1; Romans 9:5; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 5:20; Jude 1:1:25.
Heir of all things, Hebrews 1:2.
Most Highest, Psalms 18:13; Luke 1:32.
Most high, Luke 8:28.
The Holy One of God, Mark 1:24.
The Holy One of Israel, Isaiah 41:14.
I AM, Exodus 3:14; John 8:58.
JAH, Psalms 68:4; Deuteronomy 33:26.
JEHOVAH, Jeremiah 23:6.
The King, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God, 1 Timothy 1:17.
Lawgiver, Isaiah 33:22; James 4:12.
Light, John 1:9; Joh 8:12; Joh 12:46.
Living God, 1 Timothy 3:15.
Life, John 14:6.
Lord, and Lord of lords, Psalms 110:1-7; Romans 1:3; Revelation 17:14.
Son of God, Matthew 4:13. etc.
Next let us attend to the names given to Christ, in Scripture, in testimony of his manhood. Christ is called.
Adam, 1 Corinthians 15:45.
Babe, Luke 2:16.
Child, Isaiah 9:6; Acts 4:30.
David, Psalms 89:3; Jeremiah 30:9.
Flesh, John 1:14.
Friend of sinners, Matthew 11:19.
Husband, Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 31:32.
Brother, Hebrews 2:11.
Jacob, and Israel, and Judah, Isaiah 41:8; Isa 44:1; Isa 44:5; Revelation 5:5.
Man, Acts 17:31; 1 Timothy 2:5.
Seed of the woman, Genesis 3:15.
Seed of Abraham, Galatians 3:19.
Seed of David, 2 Timothy 2:8.
Son of man, Matthew 8:20.
Thirdly, Let us take a view of some of the names and characters by which Christ is known in the Holy Scripture, considered in the union of both God and man in one person, thus constituted as one Christ. I say some of the names, for to enumerate the whole would swell our Poor man's Concordance beyond the limits necessary to be observed, in a work of this kind. Christ in his twofold nature of God and man in one person, is known and distinguished in the sacred word, as.
An Advocate with the Father, 1 John 2:1.
The Angel of the Covenant, Malachi 3:1.
The Ancient of days, Daniel 7:22.
The Anointed of the Father, Psalms 2:2; Hebrews 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
The Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Hebrews 3:1.
The Author and Finisher of faith, Hebrews 12:2.
The Beginning of the creation of God, Revelation 3:14.
The Beloved in whom the church is accepted, Ephesians 1:6.
The Bishop of our souls. 1 Peter 2:25.
The Bread of life and living Bread, John 6:48; Joh 6:51.
The Branch of righteousness, Zechariah 3:8.
The man whose name is the BRANCH, Zechariah 6:12.
The Bridegroom of his church, John 3:29.
The Bright and Morning Star, Revelation 22:16.
The Captain of our salvation, Hebrews 2:10.
The One chosen of the people, Psalms 89:19.
The Consolation of Israel, Luke 2:25.
The Corner Stone, and Foundation Stone which God hath laid in Zion, Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 4:6.
The Covenant of the people, Isaiah 42:6; Isa 49:8.
The Wonderful Councillor, Isaiah 9:6.
The Hiding Place and Covert from the storm, Isaiah 32:2; Psalms 32:7.
The Day's man, Job 9:33.
The Day dawn, and Day Star in the heart, 2 Peter 1:19.
The Desire of all nations, Haggai 2:7.
The Deliverer that shall come out of Zion, Isaiah 59:20; Romans 11:26.
He that promiseth to be as the Dew unto Israel, Hosea 14:5.
The Diadem in JEHOVAH'S hand, Isaiah 62:3.
The Door of his sheepfold, John 10:7.
The Elect in whom JEHOVAH'S soul delighteth, Isaiah 42:1.
The Ensign JEHOVAH hath set up to the people, Isaiah 11:10.
The Express Image of the Father's person, Hebrews 1:3.
The first begotten of the dead, Revelation 1:5.
The first-fruits, 1 Corinthians 15:23.
The Fountain opened to the house of David, etc. Zechariah 13:1.
The Forerunner, Hebrews 6:20.
The Unspeakable Gift of God, the Power of God, 2 Corinthians 9:15; Colossians 1:24.
The Wisdom of God, the Glory of God, the Sent of God, the Lamb of
God, etc. Isaiah 40:5; 1 John 4:14; John 1:29.
The Head of his body the church, Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18.
The High Priest, the Prophet, and the King of his people, Hebrews 5:1; Luke 4:24; Matthew 21:5.
The Hope of Israel, and the Saviour thereof, Jeremiah 14:8; Acts 28:20.
Jesus, Matthew 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
Immanuel, Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23.
Judge, Isaiah 33:22; Micah 5:1; Acts 10:42.
A Leader to the people, Isaiah 55:4.
Christ is peculiarly called Master, Matthew 23:8; Mat 23:10.
The One Mediator, 1 Timothy 2:5.
Melchizedeck, Hebrews 7:1.
Messiah, Daniel 9:25; John 1:41.
Michael, Daniel 12:1; Revelation 12:7.
The Morning Star, Revelation 2:28; Rev 22:16.
Christ our Passover, 1 Corinthians 5:7.
Prince, and Prince of peace, and of life, Isaiah 9:6; Acts 5:31; Act 3:15.
Redeemer, Isaiah 59:20; Isa 60:16.
Resurrection, John 11:25.
Refiner, Malachi 3:3.
Rock, Deuteronomy 32:15; 1 Corinthians 10:4.
Root and Offspring of David, Revelation 22:16.
Sacrifice, Ephesians 5:2
Salvation, Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:30.
The Sanctification of his people, 1 Corinthians 1:30.
Sanctuary, Isaiah 8:14.
The One Shepherd, the Good Shepherd, Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:1.
The Chief Shepherd, The Great Shepherd, 1 Peter 5:4; Hebrews 13:20.
The Shiloh, Genesis 49:10.
The Strength of Israel, 1 Samuel 15:29.
The Son of Righteousness, Malachi 4:2.
The Lord our Righteousness, Jeremiah 23:6.
The Surety of a better Testament, Hebrews 7:22.
The True Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man, Hebrews 8:2.
The Teacher come from God, John 3:2.
The Temple made without hands, Mark 14:58; John 2:19-21; Daniel 2:45.
The Testator, Hebrews 9:16-17.
The tree of life, Genesis 3:24; Revelation 22:2.
Truth itself, John 14:6; Joh 18:38.
The Way, and only Way, John 14:6 with Isaiah 35:8.
The water of life, and well of living water, John 4:14; Song of Song of Solomon 4:15; John 7:37-39.
The wisdom of God, and Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1:24; Proverbs 8:1, etc.
The Witness, Revelation 1:5; Isaiah 43:10; Revelation 3:14.
Wonderful, Isaiah 9:6.
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, Hebrews 13:8.
To these should be added, under a fourth division, the names which Christ hath, in Scripture, in common with his church; for these give a most endeared and interesting view of the loveliness and sweetness of his person; but as these will meet us under the next article, the church, which comes to be noticed in the Poor Man's Concordance, I refer the reader to it there. I only detain the reader one moment longer, just to remark, on what hath been already offered on this blessed name of our Lord, how gracious God the Holy Ghost hath been to the church, to give so many and such very precious names to the Lord Jesus in the word of God, for his church to know him by and to enjoy him in. Had it been the intention of the Eternal Spirit, merely to have revealed him to the people and no more, one name in this case, would have been sufficient to have identified his person. But no, God the Holy Ghost would not only identify his person, but endear Him to the heart of his redeemed, under all the sweet and gracious characters, and offices, and relations, into which the Son of God hath condescended to put himself for the salvation of his people; and therefore, all these, and numberless other names of the like nature, Christ shall be known by in his word of truth.
And what makes the love and wisdom of the Holy Ghost so blessed to the believer's heart in this particular is, that numerous and great as the names of Jesus are in his blessed word, there is not one by which Jesus is there called and known, but what becomes dear to their hearts, and which, at one time or other, they do not want, and which they would not have had left out in the Bible for a thousand worlds. Surely, the reader will never think of the subject, in which Christ appears thus lovely and endeared, without crying out with the apostle, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)
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Hawker, Robert D.D. Entry for 'Christ'. Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance and Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/pmd/c/christ.html. London. 1828.
