Topical Bible: The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of

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The humility of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, illustrating the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the subsequent exaltation of Jesus Christ. This humility is not merely an aspect of His earthly ministry but is deeply rooted in His divine nature and mission. The exaltation of Christ is the divine response to His humility, as seen in various passages of Scripture.

Scriptural Foundation

Philippians 2:5-11 is perhaps the most explicit passage that connects the humility of Christ with His exaltation. The Apostle Paul writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" .

This passage highlights the voluntary nature of Christ's humility. Despite His divine status, He chose to become a servant and submit to the most humiliating form of death. The result of this profound humility is His exaltation by God the Father, who bestows upon Him the highest honor and authority.

The Nature of Christ's Humility

Christ's humility is characterized by His incarnation, servanthood, and obedience. In becoming human, He set aside His divine privileges, not His divine nature, to fully identify with humanity. His life was marked by service, as He declared, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). His obedience was complete, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross.

Exaltation as a Divine Response

The exaltation of Christ is a divine affirmation of His humility and obedience. It encompasses His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement at the right hand of the Father. The resurrection is the first step in this exaltation, as it vindicates His righteousness and victory over sin and death. The ascension further elevates Him, as He returns to the Father, and His enthronement signifies His supreme authority over all creation.

Ephesians 1:20-23 speaks to this exaltation: "He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" .

Theological Implications

The humility and exaltation of Christ have profound theological implications. They reveal the character of God as one who exalts the humble and humbles the proud. This principle is echoed in James 4:10, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" . Christ's example serves as a model for believers, calling them to a life of humility and service, with the assurance of future exaltation in God's kingdom.

Furthermore, the exaltation of Christ affirms His lordship and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan. It assures believers of their future hope and the fulfillment of God's promises. As Christ is exalted, so too will those who are united with Him by faith share in His glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:9
Why God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Night on the Lake
... subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in humility they prayed ... For a moment
Christ is hidden from his view ... He had no reason to boast over his fellows, for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 40 a night on.htm

Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures.
... of Scripture, that I now lay before you, with humility and simplicity ... 1) We trace
hints of the human history of Christ. ... of a free undertaking to be not His own ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iii secret study of.htm

That in Adam's Sin an Evil Will Preceded the Evil Act.
... And therefore it is that humility is specially recommended ... God, and in the person
of Christ its King ... of the sacred writings, specially rules his adversary the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 that in adams sin.htm

On the Feast of the Nativity, I.
... Him our humility without decrease in His own majesty ... in one person, majesty took
on humility, strength weakness ... between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, could ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxi on the feast.htm

The Self Life.
... The power of the death of Christ must come to work in ... self-willed Peter, and Jesus
giving up His will to ... self-exaltation of Peter, and the deep humility of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/ii the self life.htm

section second.
... This spirit of love and humility will manifest itself ... real interest of each one
personally, his own soul's ... spirit and conduct should be moulded, Christ himself ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

Modern Revivals.
... prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."(801 ... of the Bible will manifest
a spirit of humility. ... who leaned on Jesus' breast and beheld His glory, that ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

Modern Revivals
... of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3 ... of the Bible will manifest
a spirit of humility. ... leaned on Jesus' breast and beheld His glory, that ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

The Critical Reconstruction of the History of the Apostolic Age.
... the grace of God in him and his special mission ... out our liberty which we have in
Christ Jesus, that ... while he considered himself in sincere humility "the least ...
/.../section 22 the critical reconstruction.htm

With the Entry of Angela's Great Picture "The Coming of Christ" ...
... given me, and with the utmost gratitude and humility I ask ... May none of you here present
shadow His brightness by ... upon us all in the name of Christ our Saviour ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxviii with the entry of.htm