The “quintilemma” refers to five key questions or dilemmas concerning the identity and teachings of Jesus Christ that have been debated throughout history. Here is an overview of each aspect of the quintilemma:
1. Jesus’ Divine Nature
Was Jesus fully God or not? This has been a central question about Jesus’ nature and identity. Scripture affirms Jesus’ divinity (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8). However, some groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses say Jesus was only a created being, not truly divine. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD affirmed Christ’s divinity as orthodox Christian teaching.
2. Jesus’ Human Nature
Was Jesus fully human or not? Orthodox Christianity says Jesus was fully God and fully human (Philippians 2:5-8). Some early views like Docetism denied Jesus’ humanity. Affirming Christ’s humanity is essential, as only a human could die for humans’ sins (Hebrews 2:14-18). Jesus lived a genuine human life, facing temptations yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
3. The Virgin Birth of Jesus
Was Jesus miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary? Scripture presents the virgin birth as historical fact (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25). The virgin birth affirms Jesus’ divine nature while also enabling Him to be human. Some liberal scholars deny the virgin birth as myth, but this undermines biblical authority. Belief in Christ’s virgin birth has historically been integral to orthodoxy.
4. The Atoning Death of Jesus
Did Jesus’ death provide atonement for human sin? The Bible presents Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross as the sole basis of salvation (Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 9:11-10:18). Some theological perspectives downplay or reject Christ’s atoning work. But Scripture teaches that human works cannot save us (Titus 3:5-7). Only through Jesus’ substitutionary death are we forgiven and reconciled to God (Colossians 1:19-23).
5. The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus
Was Jesus’ resurrection a literal, bodily rising from the dead? The Gospels unanimously testify that the tomb was empty and Jesus appeared alive to many (Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-21:25). Some say Jesus only rose spiritually. But the clear biblical teaching is that Jesus physically rose from death, confirming His identity and the truth of redemption (Acts 2:22-36; 1 Corinthians 15). The resurrection is foundational to Christian faith.
In summary, orthodox Christianity through history has affirmed all five elements of the quintilemma: Jesus’ full divinity and humanity, His virgin birth and atoning death, and His bodily resurrection. Denying any of these key points undermines biblical Christology and the Gospel message. Together, they present a unified testimony of who Jesus is and what He accomplished.
Common Questions and Objections Related to the Quintilemma
Isn’t the virgin birth just a legend or myth?
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke present the virgin birth as historical fact, not mythology. While miraculous, it is no more difficult to believe than the resurrection. Given that God was taking on human flesh, a miraculous conception aligns with Scripture’s declarations about Christ’s divinity. There is no evidence the early Christians viewed it as legend.
How can Jesus be both fully divine and fully human?
It is admittedly difficult to comprehend. But Scripture affirms that the eternal Son of God added a human nature to Himself while remaining fully God (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus has two natures in one person. He demonstrated human traits like hunger and fatigue, while also displaying divine authority over nature, illness, demons, and death.
Why couldn’t Jesus just be a great moral teacher?
If Jesus falsely claimed to be divine and predicted His resurrection, He could not be merely a great moral teacher. As C.S. Lewis wrote, someone who makes such radical personal claims would have to be a lunatic, liar, or Lord. Scripture and Christ’s own assertions leave no room for Him to be just a moral teacher if He was not God incarnate.
Why did God need to become human at all?
God chose to use incarnation and atoning death to save humanity in a way that would perfectly glorify Himself while also enabling Him to maintain His holiness and justice. Only the God-man Jesus Christ could mediate between the Father and sinful humanity by substituting Himself to pay sin’s penalty in full (1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 2:17).
If Jesus is the only way, what about those who never hear of Him?
Scripture states that salvation is found in Christ alone, not through human merit or works (Acts 4:12). God judges people based on the revelation they have received. Those who never hear the Gospel will be judged fairly by God, who is merciful and just. Christians therefore have an urgent mission to make the Gospel known to all peoples (Matthew 28:19-20).
The quintilemma centers around the most essential truths about who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. Affirming Christ’s divinity, humanity, virgin birth, atoning death and bodily resurrection is key to biblical orthodoxy. Denying any of these unravels the Gospel message itself. Christians throughout history have affirmed all five under the guidance of Scripture.
Key Bible Passages Concerning the Quintilemma
Here is a selection of Bible verses that directly address each aspect of the quintilemma:
Jesus’ Divine Nature
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)
“But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” (Hebrews 1:8)
Jesus’ Human Nature
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:5-7)
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14)
The Virgin Birth of Jesus
“The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23)
The Atoning Death of Jesus
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6a)
The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus
“That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:4-5)
“Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side.” (John 20:27)
These and many other verses directly support the conclusions of the quintilemma concerning Christ’s nature and work. Affirming what Scripture teaches about these vital issues is critical.
Historical Developments Related to the Quintilemma
In church history, there have been key writings, councils, and theological debates centered around resolving various aspects of the quintilemma:
- The Apostles Creed: This early church creed summarizes key Christian beliefs including Christ’s virgin birth, death and resurrection.
- Athanasius: This 4th century bishop vigorously defended Christ’s divinity against the Arian heresy which taught Jesus was a created being.
- Chalcedonian Creed: This 451 AD creed affirmed Christ as fully God and fully human, rejecting false teachings.
- Anselm: His “satisfaction theory” detailed Christ’s death as a substitutionary atonement for human sin.
- Reformers:16th century Reformers like Calvin and Luther strongly defended orthodox views on Christ’s two natures and the historicity of His resurrection.
Throughout history, Christian theologians and church councils have refined definitions and answered challenges, but always affirmed the quintilemma based on the firm foundation of Scripture.
Theological and Practical Implications of the Quintilemma
What difference does the quintilemma make for theology and Christian living?
- It directly impacts how the Gospel message itself is defined and preached.
- It guards against false teachings that distort the biblical Jesus.
- It gives worship and Lord’s Supper their full meaning.
- It emphasizes Christ’s humanity and deity as the perfect sacrifice and mediator.
- A high view of Scripture flows from affirming the quintilemma.
- Belief in Jesus’ resurrection brings hope of new resurrection life for believers.
- Understanding who Jesus is shapes one’s whole relationship to Him in pursuing obedience and holiness.
In summary, the quintilemma has far reaching implications for how Christians live in light of who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. It is not just abstract theology but ultimate truth that changes everything.
Objections to Elements of the Quintilemma
Here are some common objections raised against aspects of the quintilemma, along with brief responses:
Jesus’ Divine Nature
- Objection: “Jesus never directly says ‘I am God’ in those words in Scripture.”
- Reply: Jesus claims divinity in many direct and indirect ways like accepting worship, forgiving sins, stating “I and the Father are one”, etc.
Jesus’ Human Nature
- Objection: “Jesus could not be tempted like other humans if He was sinless.”
- Reply: Temptability does not require sinfulness. Hebrews says Jesus was tempted in every way as humans are, yet without sin.
The Virgin Birth
- Objection: “The virgin birth stories were added later to mythology.”
- Reply: Evidence indicates the accounts were included from the beginning and accepted as historical by the earliest Christians.
The Atoning Death of Jesus
- Objection: “Sacrificial atonement paints God as vengeful.”
- Reply: While difficult to fully grasp, atonement flows from God’s love and just nature in dealing with sin.
The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus
- Objection: “Post-crucifixion appearances were just visions, not a physical resurrection.”
- Reply: The Gospels uniformly present physical, tangible interactions between the risen Jesus and people, not just visions.
While objections may arise, the quintilemma stands firmly grounded in Scripture and church tradition.
Conclusions
In summary, the quintilemma refers to five essential biblical truths about Jesus Christ’s divine nature, human nature, virgin birth, atoning death, and bodily resurrection. Affirming all these elements based on Scripture is vital for maintaining orthodox Christian doctrine about Christ’s identity and work. Denying any aspect of the quintilemma ultimately undermines the Gospel message itself. The quintilemma also has profound implications for theology and Christian practice. Church history provides many examples of Christians striving to uphold a high, orthodox Christology in the face of various challenges and false teachings. While objections may arise, the quintilemma remains firmly grounded in the Bible’s presentation of who Jesus is and how redemption was accomplished for sinful humanity through Him. The quintilemma points to the awesome reality that God Himself entered into human history in Jesus Christ to make available reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, and new resurrection life for all who repent and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.