Our church concluded its third annual Pactum conference in early October. This year’s theme was “God’s Great Gospel.” It was hosted by our Pastor, Pat Abendroth, and the speakers included Chris Larson of Ligonier Ministries, Micheal Beck (Pastor of Kapiti Reformed Baptist Church in New Zealand), Mike Abendroth (Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church in West Boylston, Massachusetts), and Harrison Perkins (Pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church (OPC) in Farmington Hills, Michigan). 

They all taught on different angles of our glorious gospel, the “good news” of what God has provided in Jesus Christ and has applied by the Holy Spirit to those believing in Him alone. The amazing takeaway for all who attended was a clear understanding about the person and work of Jesus Christ. It was truly a wonderful weekend of worship, fellowship and song, all centered on Christ. 

Since the conference was in early October, the main teaching on Christ has begun to fade away, truly not to my liking. Therefore, I believe it’s the perfect time to present a short book review on most fittingly, The Person of Christ: an Introduction, by Stephen Wellum. This book, like the conference, is so vital and necessary because it engages and informs what the bible is all about: Christ. 

I truly desire to be growing and strengthening myself in understanding Christ Himself. This little book will bring you up to speed in no time! Wellum presents needed clarity to so many foundational truths about Christ. In chapters 1-3, he tracks the historical development. In chapters 4-7, he emphasizes the takeaway doctrines from the history of the universal church. Finally in chapters 8 and 9, he presents the necessary theological synthesis that is vital for us today.

Wellum starts by presenting Christ as the divine one “from above.” He surveys the overarching narrative of Scripture, emphasizing the divinely inspired and authoritative nature of the Bible itself, purposing Christ as the central message of the Old and New Testaments. He exposes the “from below” narrative that only depicts the human Jesus from a liberal perspective.

Wellum rightly unfolds the story of redemption of the promised Messiah as he traces creation to the fall and the need for a divine rescue (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic). It’s eye-opening to see how biblical history, prophecies, and typologies all point to Christ’s true identity and His role as our long-awaited redeemer (Genesis 3:15).

God’s plan of redemption is stunning. He cites many evidences (one quick example: in Mark 2:5-7, Jesus alone forgives sins!). Wellum convinces the reader that the incarnate Christ (by His divine names and miracles) fulfills God’s redemptive plan, which is promised throughout biblical history. 

Next, Wellum traces the militant church’s history where biblical truth about Jesus has been debated and fought over through so many centuries and battles. As a result, the church was most importantly strengthened. Wellum proves this by presenting the church’s resolve through tested and understandable language against heresies in creeds and confessions (I am so thankful for creeds and confessions).

The highlights include the Nicene Creed (issued in 325 AD, affirming Christ’s full deity) and the Chalcedonian definition (issued in 450 AD, one person two natures—fully divine, fully human, without confusion or division). Wellum rightly points out that without these specific councils, and God’s providential hand, the “good news” about how sinners are able to be saved (gospel) would have been distorted and lost by the universal church.

Wellum masterfully shows that creeds and confessions were necessary then to guard the gospel against all attackers (heresies) who rob the true message of salvation. What church history concluded was simple and clear: first, God alone can atone for sins (not man’s works or ceremonies) and secondly, only a true human can represent us in God’s court of justice.

Finaly, he concludes in this short book with a look at all of Scripture to answer the question, ‘who is Jesus?’ In fact, it is the very question that Christ Himself posed in Matthew 16:15: “He said to them, But who do you say that I am?” Wellum makes certain that his readers understand that Christ Himself is the ultimate message of what the Bible itself presents.

Jesus is the eternal Son (begotten not created) who assumes humanity in the incarnation (Phil. 2:6-8), remaining always the one person with two natures. This hypostatic union enables His reconciling work. He alone provides eternal (divine) salvation (God is satisfied) as the last Adam (fully man), our only substitute. No wonder He demands our true worship and praise. 

In summary, this book is a perfect read for those new to Christology or anyone seeking a refresher. For me, it has increased my resolve in my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, like the Pactum conference did in early October. It reminds me again how great God’s glorious gospel is in Christ Himself throughout all of Scripture. I hope you are motivated to go on a journey with Wellum.