A Biblical Perspective
Arianism is a significant theological doctrine that arose in the early 4th century, primarily associated with Arius, a Christian presbyter from Alexandria. The central tenet of Arianism is the belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is not co-eternal with the Father and, therefore, is a created being. According to Arius, while Jesus is divine and the greatest of all creations, he is not equal to God the Father and does not share the same essence (homoousios) with Him. This doctrine directly challenges the orthodox understanding of the Trinity, which holds that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial.
The controversy surrounding Arianism led to significant theological debates within the early Church, culminating in the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where Arianism was formally condemned, and the Nicene Creed was established to affirm the orthodox belief in the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father. Despite its condemnation, Arianism continued to influence various groups and sparked ongoing theological discussions.
This exposé will explore the apologetic arguments against Arianism, grounded in biblical scriptures, and demonstrate the coherence and validity of the orthodox Christian belief in the divinity and eternality of Jesus Christ.
The Nature of Arianism
Key tenets of Arianism include:
- Subordinationism: The belief that the Son is subordinate to the Father in essence and nature.
- Created Being: The assertion that Jesus Christ is a created being, brought into existence by God the Father, and not co-eternal with Him.
- Denial of Consubstantiality: The rejection of the doctrine that the Son shares the same essence (homoousios) as the Father.
- Temporal Existence: The belief that there was a time when the Son did not exist, indicating that He had a beginning.
Biblical Apologetic Arguments Against Arianism
- The Eternality of the Son:
- Argument: The Bible affirms the eternal existence of the Son, indicating that He is not a created being but co-eternal with the Father.
- Scriptural Defense:
- John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” This passage affirms the pre-existence and divinity of the Word (Logos), identifying Jesus as co-eternal with God.
- Colossians 1:16-17: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” This emphasizes the role of Christ in creation and His pre-existence before all things.
- The Divinity of the Son:
- Argument: The Bible explicitly states that Jesus Christ is divine and shares the same essence as the Father.
- Scriptural Defense:
- John 10:30: “I and the Father are one.” This statement by Jesus asserts His unity and equality with the Father.
- Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” This passage highlights the Son’s divine nature and equality with God.
- The Consubstantiality of the Son with the Father:
- Argument: The Son shares the same essence (homoousios) as the Father, affirming the doctrine of the Trinity.
- Scriptural Defense:
- John 14:9: “Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” This emphasizes the unity of essence between the Father and the Son.
- Philippians 2:6-7: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” This passage affirms the divine nature of Christ and His equality with God.
- The Pre-existence of Christ:
- Argument: The Bible indicates that Christ existed before His incarnation, affirming His eternal nature.
- Scriptural Defense:
- John 8:58: “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” This statement by Jesus invokes the divine name “I AM,” asserting His pre-existence and divinity.
- Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” This prophecy indicates the eternal origins of the Messiah.
- The Worship and Honor Due to the Son:
- Argument: The Bible commands that the Son be worshiped and honored equally with the Father, indicating His divine status.
- Scriptural Defense:
- Revelation 5:12-14: “In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.” This passage depicts the Lamb (Jesus) receiving worship alongside God the Father.
- John 5:23: “That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.” This emphasizes the equal honor and worship due to the Son and the Father.
Addressing Common Arian Claims
- Claim: “Jesus is the first and greatest creation of God.“
- Response: John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:16-17 affirm that Jesus is not a created being but the eternal Word through whom all things were made. He is co-eternal with the Father and not a part of creation.
- Claim: “The term ‘begotten’ implies that Jesus was created.“
- Response: The term “begotten” (John 3:16) signifies the unique relationship between the Father and the Son, indicating His eternal generation and not creation. It emphasizes the Son’s unique divine origin and equality with the Father.
- Claim: “Jesus’ statement, ‘The Father is greater than I,’ (John 14:28) indicates His inferiority.“
- Response: John 14:28 reflects Jesus’ voluntary submission to the Father during His incarnation. It does not imply inferiority in essence but highlights the functional subordination within the Trinity during His earthly ministry.
- Claim: “Proverbs 8:22-31 refers to Jesus as wisdom created by God.”
- Response: Proverbs 8:22-31 uses poetic language to personify wisdom and should not be interpreted as a literal reference to Christ’s creation. The New Testament clearly identifies Jesus as the eternal Word and Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
- Claim: “Jesus’ humanity implies that He cannot be fully divine.“
- Response: Philippians 2:6-7 and Hebrews 2:14 affirm that Jesus, while being fully divine, took on human nature to accomplish salvation. The hypostatic union maintains that Jesus is both fully God and fully man.
Conclusion
Arianism presents a theological challenge to orthodox Christianity by denying the full divinity and eternality of Jesus Christ. However, a thorough examination of biblical scriptures provides a robust defense against Arian claims, affirming the co-eternality, consubstantiality, and divinity of the Son with the Father. By grounding their arguments in the clear teachings of the Bible, Christian apologists uphold the truth of the Trinity and the essential nature of Christ’s deity, ensuring the preservation of orthodox Christian doctrine against heretical beliefs.
Shop tip
christian apologetics on Amazon
