The Nature of Christ

The Nature of Christ

Ezekiel 1:1-2

Rev 4:7

Personality styles differ, but Jesus has made room for all of us in His body, the Church of the Living God. Love is the key factor, for it is patient and kind and suffers long. As we learn to appreciate each other God develops our natures so that we become Christ-like, well-rounded individuals, each fulfilling their role, complementing each other until the Church reflects the full measure of the stature of Christ. When people come to Church they see different individuals but they experience Jesus Christ. He is the developer of our faith, and puts the finishing touches on us. He refines us, tunes us into His divine frequency. As we yield to His Spirit, His Word gives us His divine nature through all the precious promises. (II Pet 1:3, 4) We are reforming to conform to His image. (Rom 8:29)

The Four Natures are revealed in our Scripture verses in Ezekiel and Revelation. Christ embodies all four natures perfectly and in perfect balance. We tend to lean to one of these natures, but together we can learn to be like Him.

1. The Lion Nature
2. The Ox Nature
3. The Eagle Nature
4. The Human Nature

Let us examine these natures a bit closer and see ourselves in the light of these Scriptures. In His Light we see the light. We understand Jesus better and then we understand each other and ourselves in a new perspective. As we learn to do what He tells us in His Word, life completely changes: we come to have an entirely new perspective on life, things and people.

1. The Lion Nature

The Lion nature requires learning submission to be more like Christ.

• The lion nature is well organised and likes to be in charge. It takes over. It is ferocious and it roars! (Gen 49:9: Judah is described prophetically as a lion’s whelp. Leadership and rulership comes from Judah. Judah means praise)
• The righteous are as bold as a lion (Prov 28: 1) and it is courageous (II Sam 17:10: valiant men whose heart is like a lion)
• A lion is strong (Jud 14:18: what is stronger than a lion?)
• God protects His Church like a lion. (Is 31:4)
• Christ wants man’s lion nature to be subdued by grace. (Is 11:7) Although Jesus is the lion from the tribe of Judah, it is the Lamb nature that rules on the throne.

2. The Ox Nature

The ox is a wild animal and needs to be disciplined.

• An ox is amiable but strong. It is easily led astray and wanders off and likes to be free roaming. It has to be bridled to serve.
• An ox brings copious abundance because it works hard. (Is 32:20)
• An ox needs to be stalled. (Prov 15:17)
• An ox is the best animal for thanksgiving offerings.
• It is used for idolatry because it is easily admired. (Ex 32:2)
• If an ox refuses to be disciplined it is bridled until it obeys. A bridled ox cannot eat and cannot share in God’s blessings. (I Cor 9:9)

3. The Eagle Nature

The eagle has to become stable and reliable.

• The eagle is a performer; it likes to soar high above the other birds. It is swift and can see very far. It likes recognition and to be admired.
• An eagle has increased vigour. (Is 40:31) (Ps 103:5)
• It speaks of God’s loving care for His people.
• The Spirit quickens. (Rom 8:11)

4. The Human Nature

Man is sinful and needs salvation.

• Man is a planner and relies on intellect and reason. Man has to learn that his ways are not God’s ways and that God’s ways are higher than man’s ways.
• Man is capable of relationships with people and communion with God.
• Man’s spiritual nature exalts him above the animals.
• Man is a created being that needs redemption and atonement (to be made at one with God). Man will be judged.
• Man has an immortal soul.

Jesus Christ balances our natures under His care and supervision. His Spirit leads and guides us into all truth. As we know the truth it sets us free to become sons and daughters of God in this world with the same privileges Jesus had when He was on the earth. We can say God is our Heavenly Father that cares for us. We can rely on Him to provide, to protect and to strengthen us continually. He gives us victory over our fallen nature. We are born again into His family. We are citizens of heaven with all the rights of our new kingdom, the Kingdom of Christ. Christ is our King and we are His kingdom.