Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: An Introductory Christology

by Fred Sanders, Klaus Issler, Scott Horrell (Contributor)

Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective features six highly respected scholars from schools such as Erskine Theological Seminary, Talbot School of Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. These scholars address an issue that has a significant impact on the way Christians should approach everyday evangelism but is often the fundamental fact that the Savior who died on the cross and rose from the dead is the eternal second person of the Trinity.
The Christian church has confessed this truth since the early centuries, but many modern theologies have denied or ignored its implications. To clarify the complex issue, these writers approach "post-Chalcedonian" (451 AD) Christology from a variety of disciplines--historical, philosophical, systematic, and practical--thoroughly examining the importance of keeping Jesus Christ in trinitarian perspective.
Major chapters "Introduction to Chalcedonian Categories for the Gospel Narrative," "The Eternal Son of God in the Social Trinity," "The One Person who is Jesus The Patristic Perspective," "Metaphysical Models of the Person, Nature, Mind, and Will," "The A Work of the Trinity," and "Jesus' Prototype of the Dependent, Spirit-Filled Life."
This introductory Christology book is written for advanced undergraduates and entry-level seminary students.

Timothy George (Th.D., Harvard), founding Dean and Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, executive editor of Christianity Today, and author of Theology of the Reformers
"The doctrine of the Trinity, as expressed in the classic creeds of the early church, was the necessary theological expression of two non-negotiable biblical affirmations--the Old Testament declaration, "God is One" and the New Testament confession, "Jesus is Lord."~ This superb collection of essays by evangelical scholars unpacks this great truth by giving the lie to the false dichotomy between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith.~ A great primer in historical theology!"
Don Thorsen (Ph.D., Drew), Professor of Theology, Haggard Graduate School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University, author of An Invitation to Exploring the Full Christian Tradition
"The study of Jesus Christ is obviously important to all Christians. However, it is not obvious that he must be understood in light of the trinity. We must reflect upon Jesus' life and ministry in relationship to God, the Father, if we are rightly to appreciate and apply what scripture says about him. Likewise, we need to consider the person and work of the Holy Spirit throughout Jesus' life. Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective helps Christians to understand and appreciate the importance of the trinity in considering Jesus--the life he lived, the salvation he provided, and the role model for how we should live and minister. The book provides clear-cut axioms for investigating the dynamics and significance of Jesus' relationship to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Christians will benefit greatly from the variety of ways Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective explores who Jesus is, especially in light of who he is in relationship to God the Father and the Holy Spirit."
Darrell Bock, (Ph.D., Aberdeen) Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, author of Jesus According to Scripture, Studying the Historical Jesus, and commentaries on Luke (2 vols) and Acts
"For a careful look at how Jesus has been understood theologically in the church, Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective is a solid walk through what is often dense terrain. There is much to ponder here. I am pleased to recommend it."
J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Biola University, author of Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview and Kingdom Triangle
"In recent years, intense research has been directed at christological and trinitarian themes with exciting and insightful results. Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective is on the cutting edge of this research because it is the only volume to approach these themes in a multi-disciplinary perspective. Faithful to scripture and Chalcedon yet creative and fresh, Sanders and Issler have given the church a theologically rich and devotionally practical guide to the person and work of Christ. Pastors and informed laypeople will profit greatly from this book. Moreover, it would be my first choice as a text in Christology."

Genres: Theology, Ebooks, Christian

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Fred Sanders is professor of theology at Biola University's Torrey Honors College.

Reviews

[Drew Norwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although billed as an "introductory Christology," I would not advise anyone making this book their introduction to Christology. Fred Sanders initial chapter was the only one that fits the ordinary meaning of "introductory."

Sanders’ contribution was the bright spot in the collection. Donald Fairburn’s chapter on the Patristics and Cyril of Alexandria was good too. The rest of the essays dig into specific areas of Christology (from a Trinitarian perspective, of course) and most take embattled positions on contested issues. Garrett DeWeese argues for a monothelite (one will) view of the Son, which is not the traditional view; Scott Horrell argues a social trinitarianism; and Klaus Issler posits a view of Jesus's life and ministry that fits the Spirit Christology mold. These are controversial positions but the chapters are not argued polemically.

These essays do serve a purpose, but the reader will need to be familiar with the terrain and the different sides to the arguments going in. On the positive side, the book has given me a better appreciation for the trinitarian tensions involved in orthodox Christology.

[Радостин Марчев · Rating 3 out of 5]

Според личното ми мнение есетата в книгата са с много разлчина стойност. Тези на Сандърс и Фаербеърн са много добри. Главата на ДеУисс гравитира силно към функционална субординация в Троицата, която доколкото мога да преценя през последните няколко години (след публикуването на книгата) получи повече удари от допустинмите, за да бъде считана все оше за възможна християнска опция. Лично за мен главата на Хорел е най-смущаваща от всички. Аз не съм никак убеден от обясненията му, че той избягва обвиненията в (нео)аполинарство във виждането си за въплъщението на Исус. По подобен начин социалният му модел за мен остава силно товорен за обвинение в трибожие.
Главата на Брус Уеър не си напарвих труда да прочета.
Не претендирам, че всеки ще е съгласен с моят прочит и всъщност съм убеден, че книгата съвем не представлява начално въведение - макар че се представя за такова. Нейния смислен прочит изисква доста сериозни богословкси познания, за да може човек да се ориентира удачно в материята - подготовка, която огромния брой редови християни просто не притежава.
Като цяло сборникът ме изненада - но в отрицателен смисъл- макар че това не се отнася за всички глави.

[Jake Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays, and out of the gate we have the titan who is Fred Sanders who gives us an introduction to Christology. As someone who works with students, his chapter gave me high hopes for the rest of the book.

My hopes were exceeded, but, in my opinion, the following essays were by no means “introductory”. Fortunately, I was familiar enough with the wide range of content / persons (no pun intended) being covered that I thoroughly enjoyed it — social trinitarianism, Nestorius and Cyril, the dyothelite / monothelite debate, atonement theory, and eternal subordination, to name a few.

For anyone looking for a primer on Christology, I highly recommend Fred’s chapter (chapter 1). For anyone looking to test their Orthodox-dar, I highly recommend the chapters that follow!

Well curated and thought provoking!

[Neil Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A stimulating collection of essays exploring the interface between Christology and the Trinitarian theology from theological, historical and philosophical perspectives.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome intermediate christology by some excellent contemporary evangelical theologians. I have greatly benefited from this book, and have learned much, and also been challenged. This will stay on my shelf as a future book of reference, and also one that is easily accessible for academic work. In that regard it has already proved useful. The best essays by far in this companion are the Cyrilian christology by Fairbairn, and the new metaphysical model of the incarnation by Craig, Moreland, and the Talbot guys written by DeWeese. Pick up this christology companion—you will benefit from it.

[Allen Battle · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAJOR THEMES
This book is a modern effort to bring together two of the most important areas of theology in the history of Christian theology: Trinitarianism and Christology. The book is co-authored and edited by Fred Sanders and Klaus Issler. Sanders “holds a degree in art from Murray State University and an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, with a PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Since 1999 he has taught in the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University.” “Klaus Issler (Ph.D., Michigan State) is professor of Christian education and theology in the Ph.D. program in educational studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California.”
Sanders and Issler have brought together authors from the theological disciplines of systematic theology, biblical theology, history, philosophy, and practical theology (1) to build a case for the central theme that “the intellectual work of Christology is best undertaken in the context of the doctrine of the Trinity,” (3) or, “atonement requires incarnation, [which] requires Trinity” (9). In other words, the person of Christ (Christology) and the work of Christ (soteriology) cannot be understood without a clear prior understanding of the Trinity. Sanders links these together and assigns them the highest theological priority among all of the doctrinal truths of Christianity. “[T]here are only three great mysteries at the heart of Christianity: the atonement, the incarnation, and the Trinity (8).
The major themes of the book include 1) the immanent vs. the economic Trinity, 2) the person and nature of Christ, 3) the kenosis, 4) the importance and relevance of the Chaledonian Definition to current theological discussions. As expected from evangelical scholars, there is a major emphasis throughout on the necessity to ground everything in Scripture. “Because Christianity is based on scriptural revelation, the biblical disciplines have a decisive priority when engaging the content of faith” (10).
CRITICAL EVALUATION
A major theme that runs throughout the book is the distinction of the immanent versus the economic Trinity and the question of whether there is an eternal hierarchy within the members of the Trinity apart from the creation. The economic Trinity is the relationship we see in the Gospels in which the Son is fully dependant on and subordinate to the Father, as well as led by and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The immanent Trinity is what God is within Himself in eternity apart from his relationship to the creation. Recent theological trends have introduced the concept of egalitarianism between the members of the immanent Trinity. “Is God truly three persons in eternal relationship? Or is God triune only in relation to creation? . . . Can the persons of the immanent Trinity possess complete ontological equality yet also eternal social order? (62-63)” The egalitarian view proposes that there is no eternal order among the members of the Trinity and that the distinctions between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are only useful in relation to the work of God among men. Both Horrell and Ware defend the eternal relationships of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit within the immanent Trinity. Horrell asserts that egalitarianism is not scripturally defensible. “Indeed, an egalitarian model entirely collapses the meaning of the divine names that distinguishes on divine person from the other” (72). He defends this position well with what he calls the social model of the Trinity. He demonstrates from many biblical references that the individual members of the immanent Trinity 1) have distinct centers of consciousness, 2) experience genuinely personal relationships, and 3) that each mutually indwells the other (56-8). In the face of the overwhelming scriptural evidence he challenges those who would disagree with producing the “burden of proof” for their position (69).
Bruce Ware spends much of his essay defending this proposition with prodigious amounts of scriptural ammunition for proof. He shows that from eternity it was the Father’s plan and will to send the Son to be the Savior of the world. “The historical Sonship of the Messiah, then, reflects the eternal relationship of the Sonship of the second person of the Trinity with his Father. Here, as elsewhere, the immanent Trinity takes priority over and explains the economic Trinity” (163). There has always been a subordination of the Son and Spirit to the Father. Ware says that the scriptural “language of the sending of the Son, both in the Synoptics and in John, indicate the taxis (order) among the members of the Trinity” (166).
This concept is important to the key theme of the book that the Trinity is necessary to both Christology and soteriology of which neither can be explained apart from it. Ware asks “Must God be triune for Christ to be our atoning Savior? The answer is “Yes indeed.(174)” This eternal taxis extends to the economic Trinity and defines the work of Christ.
The very identity of Christ as the one and only Savior and the full efficacy of the atoning work of Christ, then, are inexplicable apart from his relationship with both the Father and the Spirit. The Father . . . commissions the Son. . . . [who] could not accomplish the obedience and perform the works that he did apart from the anointing of the Spirit who abides with him as the necessary presence and power of his messianic identity and ability (186-7).

The Council of Chalcedon in 451 is the touchstone of Christology for orthodox Christians. It championed both the divine and human natures of Christ in one person while holding the natures as separate and distinct. This is the second major theme in this book: the relationship between the two natures and the person of Christ. Sanders cites the historical circumstances that led to the confusion which necessitated the council. In contrast to Arius who denied the deity of Christ, Apollinarius denied the humanity. “The human nature of Jesus Christ, on the Apollinarian account, was only a human body with no rational soul” (20). Donald Fairbairn demonstrates that Chalcedon, under the leadership of Cyril, clearly declared that the person of Christ was the Logos, the Son of God. Fairbairn defines person as “the active subject who does things and to whom things happen” (83). In an attempt to protect the deity of Christ, the heretical tendency was to see the human nature of Christ as a distinct person who suffered and died, because they could not accept the fact that God could do either. Fairbairn shows convincingly from the writings of Cyril that the intended meaning of Chalcedon was that “one could say unequivocally that God the Logos was born, the Logos suffered, the Logos died on the cross and was raised” (101). The bottom line is that a nature is not a person, but a person possesses a nature. Jesus took upon himself the nature of humanity. This was necessary to our salvation. “He accomplished our salvation by assuming humanity into his own person, so that he—the second person of the Trinity—could live a human life and accomplish for us what we could not do for ourselves” (110).
The final chapter by Klaus Issler ties into the theme of Christ’s genuine humanity in demonstrating that he can legitimately be our example. Issler shows that Jesus lived his life on earth in dependence on the Father and Holy Spirit and that believers can avail themselves of the same power. This is a fitting finale to this very theological and academic work from a pastoral perspective. In teaching theology to the average Christian we must always keep in mind the “so what?” This book draws together the truths of the necessity of the Trinity in the accomplishment of our salvation. This is essential if we are to remain orthodox. Yet the average Christian will happily accept the basic truths of the Trinity, the incarnation and the atonement. The bulk of this text is not accessible to that average Christian. The chapter focusing on philosophy is not even accessible to the average seminary student who does not have significant work in that field.
Issler’s chapter can stand alone and is accessible to a wide audience. His thesis is good news to us all. “One significant implication for Christian living today becomes very clear: Jesus walked by the Spirit, and so it is possible for us to do as we yield in dependence on God” (214). To know truth is necessary and foundational; to live truth is a daily existential joy.
“But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7, NASB)

[Adam Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this is a collection of chapters exploring Christology in the light of trinitarian theology - although the title will mislead you into thinking this is an "introductory" book. Ha!

Three of the chapters are excellent. The introduction by Fred Sanders is a great orientation to some of the issues, and includes his helpful Chalcedonian Box. Donald Fairbairn offers a wonderful demonstration of how early church debates were about salvation, rather than abstract terms - and to follow the Fathers, "we need to say directly and unambiguously that the one who died on the cross in our place was indeed one of the persons of the Trinity." Klaus Issler finishes the book with reflections on how Jesus can genuinely be our example, exploring the NT's presentation of him as the "prototype of the dependent, Spirit-filled life."

The other three chapters were not so great. I don't really remember J. Scott Horrell's chapter. Garrett DeWeese just made my head hurt. And Bruce Ware is - well, EFS etc. etc. But the book is very much worth looking at for Sanders, Fairbairn and Issler!

[Samuel Muñiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A través de seis ensayos podrás explorar el origen de la doctrina de Cristo, su persona y su obra, y su relación con otra doctrina importante: la Trinidad.

Si bien es cierto que la biblia declara tales verdades, nos debemos a la labor de ciertos teólogos que colaboraron durante los concilios ecuménicos para formalizar nuestro credo, mientras luchaban contra las herejías de su tiempo.

Ellos, tuvieron que responder a los problemas que les surgían; hoy, nosotros que recibimos sus enseñanzas, podemos conocer y deleitarnos en el Hijo enviado por el Padre y guiado por el Espíritu Santo para nuestra redención.

Léelo gratis en Scribd:

Dos meses de suscripción sin costo: https://www.scribd.com/g/awq44a

Libro: https://es.scribd.com/book/409505285/...

[Jaden A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Fred Sander’s 41-page essay that is a contribution to this book entitled ‘Introduction to Christology: Chalcedonian Categories for the Gospel Narrative.’ Really excellent material—the type of reading that gets one excited about church history. Sanders canvases the first five ecumenical councils of the church, explaining both what they taught and how they are of relevance to contemporary Christians.

This beginning chapter is also listed as a supplementary reading of Blair Smith at RTS Charlotte in the course that covers Christology. Each chapter of this book can be read independent of each other. Sanders’s contribution is what I was interested in reading. So, call me a cheater, but I am marking this book as read.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the conviction that Christology is best understood in light of the Trinity, this collection consists of some helpful essays exploring this theme. Despite the subtitle, this is closer to an intermediate work than a 'introductory' one. Ware's defense of EFS (eternal functional subordination) of the Son detracts from the overall usefulness of the book, hence a 4-star rating. But, this is a fantastic collection of essays overall and ought to be read by anyone interested in Christology.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays around the identity and work of Christ in the scope of the Trinity. There is a strong emphasis on Chalcedon. I do wish it had extended to other aspects of the debate beyond Arianism and Apollianariansm

[Andy Efting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book on issues of the Trinity and the Hypostatic Union. It definitely tends toward the academic but if you can work your way through this book you will be richly rewarded.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep theology for a layman. Really causes one to think and thereby glorify God.

[Kyle Rapinchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective is an excellent resource for exploring the person and work of a Christ and the theological foundations and developments in the Church's understanding of Christology and the incarnation. Fairbairn's chapter on the positive contribution of Chalcedon is particularly helpful, and DeWeese's chapter is an excellent treatment of contemporary monotheletism. Issler's concluding chapter on the dependency of Jesus on the Father and Spirit in his earthly life gives a biblical foundation for imitatio Christi. This is a difficult read that would require some foundational understanding of the issues before engaging, but it is well worth the effort.

[Darren Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful volume for intermediate level theological studies on the Trinity. The final two chapters were the only less-than-stellar parts. I didn't come away with a clear resolution on the paradox of the divine and human natures of Jesus though the stated purpose of these chapters was to try. I was also in persuaded by the dependence theory arguments in the final chapter. Overall, I recommend this book to all who want or need to understand how the early Church councils have served and protected the gospel.

[Todd Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This edited volume is a timely addition to any Christological library. The book offers a fantastic mix of church history, philosophy, and theology. The articles do not simply repeat the status quo, but are based on strong tradition while simultaneously pushing thinking forward on a number of significant issues that have strong implications for how life is lived at the most practical level. It is probably aimed at the college level (at best) but more likely a seminary audience.

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

At least the Sanders part. Other parts: 3/4 stars.

[Seth Channell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great content but I was not particularity interested in the subject.

[Tyler Hoffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book challenged my theology and gave me more clarity in my Trinitarian perspective. I recommend this book to all serious readers of theology.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. I found Fairburn's treatment of Chalcedon, and DeWeese's chapter on models for the incarnation, especially helpful.

[Luke Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The chapters by Sanders and Fairbairn are a real pleasure to read and provide a good introduction to the person of Christ.