Chalcedonian; eternal Son; two natures in one person; forever God-man
The PCA affirms Chalcedonian Christology: Jesus Christ is one person in two natures, truly God and truly man, without mixture, confusion, separation, or division. The divine and human natures are hypostatically united in the single person of the eternal Son of God.
The Son's divine nature was not diminished by assuming human nature. In his state of humiliation, Christ took on human flesh to accomplish redemption; in his state of exaltation, he was resurrected, ascended, and is seated at the Father's right hand. He is eternally the Son of God, begotten before all ages, and during his earthly ministry fully displayed both divine and human attributes.
Christ's humanity is complete and real—he experienced genuine human development, temptation (without sin), and emotional responses—yet remained sinless and divine. This dual nature is essential to his atoning work and mediatorial office.
Key Distinctions
- Natures formula:
- Hypostatic union; one person, two natures
Scripture References
Sources
- Westminster Confession of Faith VIII
- Council of Chalcedon (451)
- Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 16-18