*Paul’s Christology, Ethics, and Church
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Paul’s Christology, Ethics, and Church (Contents)
1. Paul’s Proof of Jesus as the Christ: Scriptural, Historical, and Theological Foundations 2. The Divine and Human Messiah: Incarnation and Exaltation in Paul’s Thought 3. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: The Centrepiece of Pauline Christology 4. Ethics as Participation in Christ’s New Life: The Teaching of Romans 5. Freedom and…
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1. Paul’s Proof of Jesus as the Christ: Scriptural, Historical, and Theological Foundations
Introduction Understanding how the Apostle Paul proves that Jesus is the Christ—the promised Messiah—is foundational to grasping Pauline theology and the early Christian proclamation. This article explores Paul’s multi-faceted proof, drawing from his key letters, highlighting scriptural fulfilment, historical claims, and theological reasoning that underpin his gospel message. 1. Scriptural…
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2. The Divine and Human Messiah: Incarnation and Exaltation in Paul’s Thought
Introduction Paul’s Christology profoundly embraces both the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus as the Messiah. This article explores how Paul presents Jesus’ incarnation, humiliation, obedient death, and exaltation, drawing especially from Philippians and Romans, to portray a Messiah who is uniquely God and man—worthy of worship and imitation.…
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3. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: The Centrepiece of Pauline Christology
Introduction The death and resurrection of Jesus stand at the heart of Paul’s proclamation that Jesus is the Christ. This article examines how Paul understands these events theologically and their foundational role in his gospel, focusing on justification, atonement, and victory over death. 1. Jesus’ Death as Atonement for Sin…
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4. Ethics as Participation in Christ’s New Life: The Teaching of Romans
Introduction Paul’s letter to the Romans not only presents Jesus as the Messiah but also calls believers to live ethically as participants in Christ’s death and resurrection. This article explores how union with the risen Messiah shapes Christian ethics, emphasizing newness of life, love, and community. 1. Union with Christ:…
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5. Freedom and Spirit-Led Living: Ethical Living in Galatians
Introduction Paul’s letter to the Galatians strongly emphasizes Christian freedom rooted in faith in Christ the Messiah, contrasting it with legalistic bondage. This article explores how Paul connects this freedom to Spirit-led ethical living and community equality. 1. Freedom from the Law’s Curse 2. Walking by the Spirit 3. Equality…
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6. Imitating Christ’s Humility and Exaltation: Ethical Exhortations in Philippians
Introduction In Philippians, Paul presents Jesus as the humble yet exalted Messiah and calls believers to imitate this model. This article explores how Christ’s incarnation, obedience, and exaltation form the ethical foundation for Christian community life and witness. 1. The Christ Hymn: Humility in Incarnation 2. Obedience to Death and…
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7. The Church as the Body of Christ: Identity and Unity in Romans and 1 Corinthians
Introduction Paul’s ecclesiology is deeply rooted in his Christology. In Romans and 1 Corinthians, he describes the church as the body of Christ, a spiritual organism unified by the Spirit and called to live in ethical harmony. This article explores how Paul’s understanding of Jesus as the Messiah shapes the…
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8. The New Covenant People: Equality and Freedom in the Church (Galatians)
Introduction In Galatians, Paul presents the church as the new covenant community established through faith in Christ, the Messiah. This article explores how Paul’s Christology shapes an ecclesiology centred on freedom, equality, and the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers. 1. The Church as the People of the Promise…
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9. The Church Called to Imitate Christ: Humility and Mission in Philippians
Introduction Paul’s letter to the Philippians emphasizes the church’s calling to imitate the Messiah’s humility and exaltation. This article examines how Paul connects Christ’s self-emptying and lordship with the ethical and missional life of the Christian community. 1. The Model of Christ’s Humility 2. Exaltation and Lordship as Motivation 3.…
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10. Interconnection of Christology, Ethics, and Ecclesiology in Pauline Theology
Introduction Paul’s theology is a unified whole where Christology, ethics, and ecclesiology are deeply interconnected. This article explores how Paul’s understanding of Jesus as the Messiah shapes the ethical life of believers and the nature of the church community. 1. Christ as the Foundation of Christian Identity and Ethics 2.…
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11. Applying Pauline Theology in Today’s Church and Christian Life
Introduction Paul’s integrated theology of Christology, ethics, and ecclesiology offers timeless guidance for contemporary Christian communities and individual believers. This article explores how his teachings can shape modern faith practice, church life, and ethical living. 1. Affirming Jesus as the Messiah Today 2. Living Ethically in the Spirit of Pauline…