The Soteriological Necessity of a Full Incarnation and Its Implications for Believers

Authors

Addison Yates, Harding UniversityFollow

Publication Date

Spring 4-21-2021

Subject Area

Section 4: Featured Articles

Abstract

At the center of Christian theology lies the study of Jesus the Christ, his being, and his work. Differing beliefs about Jesus’ divinity and humanity were a source of early Christian controversies, and the first ecumenical councils addressed these Christological controversies by affirming that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. Though this doctrine is widely accepted in modern Christian theology, many practicing Christians, particularly those who are unfamiliar with Christian history, may never have explored Jesus’ nature in his incarnation or considered its implications. The aim of this work is twofold: to establish that a full incarnation of the divine Christ was necessary for salvation, and to guide the reader in exploring what Jesus’ fully human life means for Christians today.

About the Author

AddisonYates is a post-baccalaureate student from Searcy, Arkansas. He completed a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2019 and plans to complete a B.A. in Computer Science in 2021. While at Harding, he has enjoyed singing as part of the Chorus and Chamber Singers. After graduating, he plans to work as a software developer in Dallas, Texas.