christology

The Chalcedonian Definition (with Stephen Wellum)

Kirk E. Miller

Delegates from throughout the ecumenical (universal or “catholic”) church met in Chalcedon in 451 AD to address the emergence of certain heresies surrounding the person and nature of Christ. Some were teaching that Jesus merely took on the material aspects of a human body (Apollinarianism). Others so distinguished Jesus’ humanity and divinity that they conceived of each as involving a distinct person (Nestorianism). Finally, some so emphasized Christ’s unity that they spoke of his divinity blending with his humanity to form a new mixed nature (Eutychianism or Monophysitism). The Council of Chalcedon thus responded to these errors, producing a confession of orthodoxy known as The Chalcedonian Definition (or the Symbol of Chalcedon). It affirmed that the incarnate Christ is one person with both a human and divine nature.

But why does this statement matter, and are its distinctions all that important? What, if anything, can we learn from it today? Dr. Stephen Wellum joins Kirk in this episode to discuss the meaning and significance of this important historical document.

Access the episode here. (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.)

See all other episodes in this series.

The Nicene Creed (with Matthew Barrett)

Kirk E. Miller

What was is The Nicene Creed and why does it matter? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Barrett joins Kirk to discuss the historical circumstances that gave rise to the creed as well as some of its central confessions. They discuss why it matters that Jesus is “of the same substance with the Father” and “eternally begotten” but “not made.” The Nicene Creed gives us categories by which to understand God’s self-revelation in scripture as it finds its center in the saving work of Christ.

Access the episode here. (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.)

See all other episodes in this series.

The Cross of Christ by John Stott (Book Recommendation)

Kirk E. Miller

The meaning of the cross speaks to our deepest human need and its purpose unveils the heart of what we as Christians cling to. In his classic work, The Cross of Christ, the late John Stott unpacks what the cross achieved, how it meets contemporary cultural assumptions and questions, and its practical significance for Christian living.

Fullness of Salvation in Christ (Colossians 2:6-15)

Kirk E. Miller

Fullness of Salvation in Christ (Colossians 2:6-15)
CrossWay Community Church
August 28th, 2022

Podcast link.

See all other content in this series.

On the Incarnation by Athanasius (Book Recommendation)

Kirk E. Miller

*In the video, I misspoke and said, “I use that term lightly,” instead of, “I don’t use that term lightly.”

This “must read” Christian classic is perfect reading for advent season. Writing in the 4th century, Athanasius, one of the greatest thinkers of the early church, argues why the Son of God became human (i.e., the incarnation) — namely to rescue us from our corruption and raise us to restoration with the risen Christ.