Topical Bible: Christ is God: As Emmanuel

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of Christ as Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ. This belief is rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament, where Jesus is identified as the incarnate God dwelling among humanity.

Old Testament Prophecy

The prophecy of Emmanuel is first introduced in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 7:14 states, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy was delivered during a time of political turmoil for the kingdom of Judah, offering a sign of hope and divine intervention. The name "Immanuel" signifies God's presence with His people, a promise of deliverance and divine companionship.

New Testament Fulfillment

The Gospel of Matthew explicitly connects the prophecy of Isaiah to the birth of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:22-23 records, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')." This passage underscores the belief that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy, embodying the presence of God among His people.

Theological Significance

The identification of Jesus as Emmanuel is central to the understanding of His nature and mission. It affirms the doctrine of the Incarnation, which holds that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. This dual nature is essential for the redemptive work of Christ, as only one who is truly God could atone for the sins of humanity, and only one who is truly human could represent humanity.

Christ's Divinity in the Gospels

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus' divine nature is consistently affirmed. In John 1:14 , it is written, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." This passage highlights the incarnation of the divine Word, further emphasizing the concept of God dwelling with humanity.

Emmanuel in Christian Worship and Doctrine

The recognition of Christ as Emmanuel has profound implications for Christian worship and doctrine. It assures believers of God's intimate presence in their lives and His active involvement in the world. This belief is celebrated in various liturgical traditions, hymns, and prayers, reinforcing the assurance of God's nearness and His role as Savior.

Conclusion

The title "Emmanuel" encapsulates the mystery and majesty of the Incarnation, affirming that in Jesus Christ, God is truly with us. This profound truth continues to inspire and sustain the faith of Christians around the world, offering hope and assurance of God's eternal presence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

1694. Emmanouel -- "God with us," Immanuel, a name of Christ
... Emmanuel. Of Hebrew origin (Immanuw'el); God with us; Emmanuel, a name of Christ --
Emmanuel. see HEBREW Immanuw'el. (emmanouel) -- 1 Occurrence. 1693, 1694. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1694.htm - 6k

Library

Argument. --That Christ is God, is Proved by the Authority of the ...
... says, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and ye shall call His name
Emmanuel, which is, interpreted, God with us;" [5090] so Christ Himself says ...
/.../chapter xii argument that christ is.htm

Isaiah's Prophecy of Emmanuel. Christ Entitled to that Name.
... Now since Emmanuel is God-with-us, and God-with-us is Christ, who is in us (for
"as many of you as are baptized into Christ, have put on Christ" [3255 ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xii isaiahs prophecy of emmanuel.htm

That Christ is God.
... may be called gods, how much more is Christ, the Son ... blasphemest, because I said,
I am the Son of God? ... Matthew: "And ye shall call His name Emmanuel, which is ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/6 that christ is god.htm

Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator
... In the gospel of Christ there is a putting forth of divine power as ... the disappointments
which the Christian church has hitherto undergone; Emmanuel, God with us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/victor emmanuel emancipator.htm

Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... Inquire, then, whether this speech, "God with us" (which is Emmanuel), be commonly
applied to Christ ever since Christ's light has dawned, and I think you will ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ix of the prophecies of.htm

Of the Fact that Idolatry Has Been Subverted by the Name of Christ ...
... That prediction we see now in its fulfilment in Christ. ... of the people of Israel and
of the God of Israel ... and they shall call [617] His name Emmanuel." For by ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxvi of the fact that.htm

Whether his Name was Suitably Given to Christ?
... the prophets foretold another name for Christ: for it is ... and His name shall be called
Emmanuel"; and (Is ... name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor God the Mighty ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether his name was suitably.htm

One and the Same God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, is He whom ...
... the star into the house of Jacob to Emmanuel, they showed ... were opened, and He saw
the Spirit of God, as a ... in whom I am well pleased." [3387] For Christ did not ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ix one and the same.htm

The xii. Anathematisms of St. Cyril against Nestorius.
... that the Emmanuel, that is he who was born of a woman and dwelt with us, is God:
the other, that Mary who bare such an one is Mother of God. That Christ is God ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the xii anathematisms of st.htm

Of the Birth of Jesus from the virgin; of his Life, Death, and ...
... For Emmanuel signifies God with us; because when He was born of a virgin, men ... be
destroyed." How then do the Jews both confess and expect the Christ of God? ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xii of the birth of.htm