Did Jesus "become" the Christ?

[Soulfyre]

Some early theologians argued that Jesus became "the Christ" at his baptism by John the Baptist. They see the baptism as the annointing of Jesus, in which God and the Holy Spirit participated. They also argue that it was at this point that Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God". Heresy or the truth? You tell me (and defend your answer).

God bless and keep you,

Matthew (soulfyre)

[melinky]

Very interesting question. I've never heard that idea before and I can see where some might believe this to be true. I could almost even buy this idea or the idea that with his baptism Jesus became fully aware of who he was, but for this:

Luke 2:4 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Melinda

[Soulfyre]

Good eye, Melinda. That statement would certainly seem to indicate a self-knowledge of Jesus' own sonship. It is also interesting to note that while Jews at the time would speak of God as "our Father", they NEVER used the term "my Father", deeming it to presumptuous. Their relationship with God was part of a group--as a covenant "people", but the assumption of a personal relationship presumed a familiarity that they did not accept. Further, Jesus referred to God as "Abba", the Aramaic term for "daddy" or "my dear Father", a completely new concept to the Jews. What is remarkable, is that Jesus gave us that same right of intimacy with his Father as he had--we may refer to God as "Abba".

Excellent point. Any other observations?

God bless and keep you always,

Matthew (soulfyre)

[Mysterion]

Heresy, also known as Arianism.

John 1:1 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.


Your question is actually very deep, requiring much more than my kneejerk answer. If you want to get into an extremely long dicussion of the development of Christology, I'm up for it!

[Soulfyre]

Christology is, as one might expect, foundational to Christianity. I asked the question of course to elicit discussion--not that I thought anyone on our site had particularly unorthodox views of Jesus Christ, but that I felt it should be discussed and elucidated. Many times I have found that our understanding of Jesus Christ is far more vague that should be the case among those who assume the mantle of discipleship. So feel free to dive in, Mysterion. I sometimes hang back, just so I won't become the "resident theologian" and preclude hearing from our other members.

In Christ,

Matthew (soulfyre)

[melinky]

Soulfyre said:

I sometimes hang back...

SOMETIMES?? LOL I think we're going to have to call you the master of understatement!