Introduction
In this episode, Pastor Brandon Warr addresses recent criticisms of Lutheran theology from Reformed YouTuber Gavin Ortlund of Truth Unites, along with another critique from Ancient Paths TV. Gavin Ortlund’s video specifically challenges Lutheran Christology (the doctrine of Christ’s nature), while the other focuses on the Lutheran understanding of the Lord’s Supper. Pastor Warr notes the ironic timing, as Ortlund published his critique just before Lutherans celebrate the Transfiguration and the festival of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, both directly related to the theological points in question.
Gavin Ortlund’s Critique and Lutheran Theological Foundation
Pastor Warr begins by explaining the fundamental difference between how Gavin Ortlund approaches Christology and the Lutheran position:
- Ortlund applies a “magisterial” use of reason (placing human understanding above scripture)
- Lutherans employ a “ministerial” use of reason (acknowledging mystery where scripture teaches it)
- The Lutheran understanding of Christ’s two natures (divine and human) united in one person
- The three different kinds of communication of attributes in Lutheran theology, which Ortlund misrepresents:
- Genus Idiomaticum: attributing properties to the person of Christ
- Genus Majestaticum: divine majesty communicated to Christ’s human nature
- Genus Apotelesmaticum: communication of official works
Responding to Gavin Ortlund’s Misrepresentations
Pastor Warr identifies several problems with how Gavin Ortlund presents Lutheran doctrine:
- Ortlund fails to reference the Book of Concord, which is the authoritative Lutheran confessional document
- He quotes Luther directly rather than official Lutheran confessions
- Ortlund incorrectly describes Lutheran teaching as “intertwining” the natures, when Lutherans speak of them being “united”
- Ortlund claims Lutheran Christology is a novel teaching, ignoring the Catalog of Testimonies in the Book of Concord that shows its patristic roots
Biblical Defense Against Ortlund’s Position
Pastor Warr presents several biblical passages that support the Lutheran position against Gavin Ortlund’s critique:
- Matthew 28:18 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”
- John 17:5 – Jesus asking to be glorified with the glory he shared with the Father before the world began
- Ephesians 4:10 – Christ “ascended above all the heavens, that he might fill all things”
Pastor Warr also examines Christ’s post-resurrection appearances (appearing in locked rooms, vanishing from sight) as evidence that contradicts Ortlund’s limited view of Christ’s human nature.
The Formula of Concord vs. Gavin Ortlund
Drawing from the Formula of Concord, Pastor Warr explains concepts that Gavin Ortlund overlooks:
- Christ always possessed divine majesty according to the personal union
- He voluntarily divested himself of this glory during his state of humiliation (Philippians 2:7)
- After resurrection, Christ entered into the full use and manifestation of divine majesty
- Ortlund misses the important distinction between Christ’s state of humiliation and glorification
Chalcedonian Christology: Responding to Ortlund’s Concerns
Pastor Warr addresses Gavin Ortlund’s charge that Lutheran doctrine confuses Christ’s natures:
- Lutherans affirm the Chalcedonian definition that Christ’s natures are “without confusion”
- Unlike how Ortlund portrays it, the Genus Majestaticum does not violate Christ’s human nature
- Ortlund’s position ultimately leads to separating Christ’s natures, violating the “without separation” clause of Chalcedon
- Reformed explanations (like Calvin suggesting Jesus climbed through windows) arise from rationalistic limitations that Ortlund continues
The Mystery of the Incarnation
Pastor Warr emphasizes that the incarnation, like the Trinity, is a divine mystery that cannot be fully explained by the human reasoning Ortlund demands. While we can confess what Scripture teaches about Christ’s natures, we cannot fully understand how the divine and human natures communicate properties without violating either nature.
Conclusion of Part 1
Pastor Warr notes that his response to Gavin Ortlund will continue in subsequent episodes, addressing further aspects of Ortlund’s critique and exploring how proper Christology affects our understanding of Christ’s presence with his Church today.
The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to continue the conversation on social media before the next episode continues examining Ortlund’s video.
