Chapter 2: The Identity of the exalted Christ: the exalted Christ and the earthly Jesus from Peter C. Orr’s book The Exalted Christ. Chapter book review & critical writing by Renee Nolte

Orr’s framework

The ten chapters the author created derives from academic and theological sources, including the exploration of biblical languages, hermeneutics, exegesis, historical and systematic theology, as well as monographs, peer-reviewed journals, scholarly papers, scholarly discussions, and occasional apologetics. Although not as abrupt as his contemporaries or as rigid in his points of view, Orr expounds his assessment of the identity of the Exalted Christ from his Evangelical personal assessment of Theology.

Orr considers Christ’s Lordship title was anticipatory according to his pre-resurrected status, concluding: 1. Jesus did not become someone new; he was already Lord before his resurrection. 2. The resurrection was not the final proof of who Christ was. 3. The resurrection allowed Jesus to fully demonstrate his identity. 

Orr affirms that after Christ’s resurrection, he became more widely known, and core tenets in the bibliography show that Christ’s name has evolved over time. By taking upon Christ’s name, and Christ receiving His new name, we become His adopted sons and daughters, inheriting the New Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God, and living and reigning with Him throughout eternity. We will now explore, through the Bible, how Christ has been introduced to the world.

Ephesians 1:20-21 (KJV) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

The Apostle Paul

He writes that it’s the same Christ who died, was the same who was raised, and the same who made pure for our sins, is the same who sits at the right hand on high and is the same who was pierced and will return. Throughout the NT its repeated and affirmed and demonstrated that Jesus who was lived, died, was raised and is reigning is the same today, yesterday, tomorrow and forever. The stories of his pre-earthly life through his incarnation, death on the cross and finally exaltation is the Jesus whose identity that was revealed both in life and resurrection is of full apprehension by revelation, which by receiving those who embrace HIM are eternally blessed.

Mathew 16:17 (TLB) “God has blessed you, Simon, son of Jonah,” Jesus said, “for my Father in heaven has personally revealed this to you—this is not from any human source.

John 3:2:3 (KJV) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

John 21:14 (KJV) This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

Luke, the Disciple

Writes the Lord and Savior throughout the NT and that Jesus fulfills all three components of Nathans oracle, Gods formal response to King Davids desire to build a permanent temple for the Ark of The Covenant. Nathan, the court Prophet and advisor to King David revealed unto him that God would build a lineage and dynasty for him (The Davidic Covenant), for Jewish and Christian alike, a Messiah who would rule and reign forever. Luke exclaims this fulfillment by the Component #1. Divine Sonship, The King as God’s Son, revealed through the Holy Spirit.

2 Samuel 7:14 (KJV) I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men.

Luke 1:32 (KJV) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

Component # 2. The Davidic Dynasty: Throne of David, raising royally through offspring as Jesus was of royal birth through King David.

Luke 3:31 (KJV) Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David.

Component # 3. Reigning over the never-ending house of Jacob as written in 2 Samuel and Luke emphasizing The Everlasting Kingdom. 

The title of Lordship is not static but a fluid identity, a dynamic that develops across the body of Christ, his saving death, and future work. Both Apostles writings show Christ being installed or being enthroned from resurrection and ascension brings HIM full circle to HIS messianic destiny.

Outside the Holy grounds of Lordship, we can recognize the fluidity in Lordship in Henry the II and even Genghis Khan. Where Genghis broke bloodlines and reigned purely on meritocracy and personal loyalty, whereas Henrys was of royal blood, they both reshaped geography and laws forever. We won’t get into the personal tragedies and turmoil of families because it goes without saying, no one can ever duplicate the Fluid Lordship of our Savior Jesus Christ. Some will try and they will fail. It may work for a time, but time will prove people right. The Anti-Christ will be an example of meritocracy, reshaping geography and changing laws, his reign ship will be a hyper-fluid lord who transitions into a brutal, static tyrant. Then our Lord will annihilate him. The demarcate revelation of Lordship to Christ clearly sets HIM apart as the only true King, the appointed Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, the great I AM.

Luke 1:35 (KJV) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, likewise as Orr puts it, our identifiers are never formed in isolation but are rather always shaped in relationship with others, however singularity that is, the specific uniqueness about you sets us apart from everyone else.

Isaiah 42:22 (KJV) Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

How this personally relates to my life…

Orr has expressed a name is the way someone is identified and new names speak of expansion. Let us take a moment and see how this works considering something else, an identifier of the martial arts in both singularity and in terms of how others see them this way we can relate to how we interface with others recognizing growth in us all.

“As you think, so shall you become.”     -Bruce Lee

In martial arts one is called a practitioner or student, a competitor, protégé, champion, Black Belt, Instructor, Mentor, Sensei, Professor, Master, Grand Master. Then we have the nicknames, Karate Kid, Daniel Son, Ninja, The Iron Fist, The Samurai, and depending on one’s age could be called a Little Dragon, Tiny warrior or Mighty Mite. 

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”  -Bruce Lee

Certainly, the titles one receives go along with status, and the nicknames are given as others see them and find an identifier or singularity. Because of time, levels, and evolvement, others recognize this and validate it. The black belt, who is a white belt that never quit, grows in status from beginner level, intermediate level, advanced level to black belt level, mastery level, grand mastery level, or through phases in a continuous journey—never a destination, even for those who have reached mastery. Through physical, educational, mental, emotional, and social changes, these names, titles and status elevate. Being that 1% and earning that coveted black belt wisdom evolves. It’s inevitable due to countless challenges and overcoming them. It’s that indomitable spirit that sets them apart from others, especially those who have journeyed beyond the mark to even higher degrees and levels.

Personally, having gone through the levels, statuses, and degrees and even actively engaging it good to see in our lives how we strive to mirror growth in a micro the macro. I’m sure we can all agree that Jesus Christ is Apex Sovereign of The Seventh House and The Grand Master of The Eternal Way but let us explore some of Christ’s names by which we have all come to know him.

Philippians 2:9 (KJV) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name.

The Word

Christ is the Great I AM, Immanual, Son of Man, Son of God, The Davidic Son, Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Yahweh, The Angel of The Lord, Wonderful, Counselor, The Everlasting Father, Shiloh, The Prince of Peace, Truth, The Way, The Lamb of God, Holiness, The Word, Savior, and The Messiah. Nicknames even as The Bread of Life, The Light of The World, The Good Shepard, The True Vine, Nazarene and more.

Isaiah 42:8 (KJV) I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

The resurrection did bring to pass an epistemological shift in perception from the human community. A new name even then so is a new creation. Orr expresses that we see Jesus’ identity undergo development when we consider HIS name. Unlike a white belt to a black belt, becoming someone entirely new, Jesus’ singularity was appointed, set and because of his resurrection bring about the full experience and expression of HIS identity.

Revelation 3:12 (KJV) Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Orr suggests that a new name represents a new creation. The resurrection changed how humanity understands truth and identity. However, unlike a progression such as evolving from white belt to black belt or making great rulers for a time, by examining Jesus’ name, we observe the continuity of his unique identity.

Isaiah 65: 15-18 (KJV) And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Final thoughts…

Jesus Christ holds the ultimate, unbeatable rank above all the creations. His title crowns HIM as the Supreme developer and no one can replicate HIS authority and he represent Gods immediate glowing authority. He is EPIC in every way. By giving us His name, it assures us of our security and adoption into His eternal family and Kingdom. This brings me comfort, knowing I am on His side and that He supports me. While our own efforts are insufficient, He has accomplished the work of salvation. Let us come to Him, invite others to join us, and look forward to victory in His presence. I affirm the truth of His gospel and strive to become more like Him and live worthy of His name. Let us pray to improve, embody His light and love, and experience His royal blessing now.

I leave you with one of favorite songs, In His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

How Great Thou Art (a song about the 2^nd coming)

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!  

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. 

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin. 

 When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, “My God, how great Thou art!”  

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!