Monothelitism (Reformed Baptist Perspective)

Definition:

Monothelitism is a theological belief asserting that Jesus Christ, while possessing two natures—divine and human—has only one will, specifically a divine-human composite will rather than distinct divine and human wills. The doctrine emerged in the 7th century as an attempt to reconcile and maintain Christ’s unity while addressing Christological debates about the nature of His person. However, it was ultimately rejected by the Christian church as heretical at the Third Council of Constantinople in 681 AD, which affirmed that Jesus Christ has two wills (dyothelitism)—one divine and one human—both in perfect harmony.

Reformed Baptist Understanding:
Reformed Baptists, in line with historic Christian orthodoxy, affirm the doctrine of dyothelitism (the belief in two wills in Christ) rather than monothelitism. This position is based on the belief that Jesus Christ, as fully God and fully man, possesses all attributes of both natures. Therefore, He has a distinct human will and a divine will. Each will operates in a manner consistent with its nature, but they remain in perfect harmony and submission to the Father’s redemptive purposes.

Theological Basis:
The affirmation of two wills in Christ preserves the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus, which is central to Reformed Baptist Christology:

• Luke 22:42 – “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
  This verse illustrates the distinct human will of Jesus submitting to the Father’s will, demonstrating that Christ possessed a human will distinct from His divine will.

• John 6:38 – “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
  This verse reflects the distinction and harmony between Jesus' divine mission and His obedience through His human will.

Historical Context:
Monothelitism arose as a compromise between different Christological views, but it was ultimately deemed inadequate by the ecumenical councils. The Third Council of Constantinople affirmed that, to be fully human, Christ needed a human will in addition to His divine will. This decision emphasized the completeness of Christ's humanity and divinity, ensuring that all aspects of His person were fully operative in His life, obedience, and work of salvation.

Reformed Baptist Perspective on Christology:
Reformed Baptists adhere to the belief that Christ's full humanity and divinity must be upheld for salvation to be complete. This means that Jesus, in His humanity, experienced the full range of human limitations and temptations, though without sin. The existence of two wills is seen as crucial for maintaining the integrity of both natures, ensuring that Jesus could fully represent humanity before God while also possessing the power of divine authority.

Sources for Further Study:
For a deeper examination of the two wills of Christ in Reformed Baptist thought, consult:

• The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith (Chapter 8, "Of Christ the Mediator") – which details the doctrine of Christ, emphasizing His role as both God and man.
• John Owen’s The Person of Christ – offers a detailed exploration of the nature and work of Christ from a Reformed perspective.
• Thomas F. Torrance’s The Trinitarian Faith: The Evangelical Theology of the Ancient Catholic Church – for historical insight into the ecumenical councils that addressed Christological heresies, including Monothelitism.

These resources provide a foundation for understanding the theological implications of dyothelitism versus monothelitism within a Reformed Baptist framework, supporting the biblical and historical basis for affirming two wills in Christ.