Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 98:391 (Jul 1941)
Article: Trinitarianism Part 7
Author: Lewis Sperry Chafer

BSac 98:391 (Jul 41) p. 264

Trinitarianism
Part 7

Lewis Sperry Chafer

[Author’s Note: This the final discussion of the Person of Christ not only concludes the section in Systematic Theology bearing upon Trinitarianism, but it concludes the entire consideration of Theology Proper which has appeared in successive articles in BIBLIOTHECA SACRA during the past four years. The Trinitarianism discussion would not be complete apart from a contemplation of the Person of the Holy Spirit; but, in view of the exhaustive treatment of this theme in these pages by Dr. Walvoord, the subject will not be introduced again.
Beginning with the October-December issue and continuing for two or three years, a series of articles on Angelology, Satanology, and Demonology are to be presented by the same author.]

IX: The Hypostatic Union

Introduction.

The term Hypostatic is derived from hypostasis, which word, according to the Standard Dictionary, means “The mode of being by which any substantial existence is given to any independent and distinct individuality.” Thus it follows that a union of hypostasis is a union of natures that are within themselves independent and distinct. The expression Hypostatic Union is distinctly theological and is applicable only to Christ in whom, as in no other, two distinct and dissimilar natures are united. History records no instance of any other being like Christ in this respect, nor will any other ever appear. He is the incomparable Theanthropic Person, the God-man, the Mediator and Daysman (cf. Job 9:32, 33). There need be no other for every demand, whether it be for divine satisfaction or for human necessity, is perfectly answered in Christ. This unique Person with two natures, being at once the revelation of God to men and the manifestation of ideal and perfect humanity,

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properly holds the central place in all reverent human thinking, as His complex, glorious Person has engaged the disputation of past centuries. He is not only of surpassing interest to men, but in Him and in Him only is there any hope for humanity in time or eternity. He is God’s Gift, God’s one and only solution for a lapsed race. Within man, there are no resources whereby he might provide a daysman whose right and authority are both perfectly divine and perfectly human. Nothing that man could produce could redeem a soul from sin or could provide the essential sacrificial blood which alone can satisfy outraged holiness. The pity is that the trend of theological discussion regarding the unique Person of Christ has been metaphysical, theoretical, and abstract; while so little attention has been directed toward th...