(Updated: January 12th, 2022)
The theology of Christmas is the Gospel message, and it’s important every Christian understand.
Pastor John MacArthur focuses on Philippians 2:05-11. Jesus Christ is God and He is Lord. Pastor MacArthur says this is the theology of Christmas.
1. He abandoned a sovereign position
Christ was, is, and will forever be God. Being in the form of God, means essence/nature. Christ’s nature of God is unchangeable.
Christ did not cling to His equality and fullness with God. He was willing to empty Himself. He did not give up His nature as God. He emptied His glory, His honor. He was despised and rejected. He gave up His independent will. He followed the will of His Father.
To empty Himself – means He added the human-nature. Jesus was NEVER empty of being God.
2. Accepted A Servant’s Place
“A noble person will use privileges to help others… A lesser person will use privileges to separate himself from people.” – John MacArthur
Christ becomes a slave of God, and a slave of sinners, to serve. Absolute total submission.
3. He Associated With Sinful People
Fully God and fully man. He did not glide through life. “No one knew He was God because He looked like how everyone else looked.” John MacArthur
4. He Adopted A Self-Less Posture
We see this in the prayer of Christ in the garden. We see Christ absorb all the wrath of God of all sinners that He takes upon the cross. He could do it because He is infinite. He was self-less. “He humbled Himself all the way to death.” – John MacArthur
The death on the cross was painful and shameful.
5. He Ascended As Supreme Prince
He accomplished redemption and was resurrected by God. He sat down at the right side of God. He was given a new name, “Lord,” a name above His earthly name.
“Better to confess it now than in Hell.” – John MacArthur
Check out: The Theology of Christmas Philippians 2:5-11 ) John MacArthur
Scripture To Memorize/Meditate On – (ESV) Romans 5:08, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
*To learn more about what Jesus did on the cross and why His atonement sacrifice is so needed please see: Why Did A Loving God Kill His Son? (Does God Hate?)
*If you do not know the Gospel, do not turn away. If you think you know the Gospel, check out these questions and see how prepared you are for the day someone might ask you why you believe: The Gospel Challenge (30 Question Quiz) – Are You Ready To Defend Your Faith?
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