Chalcedonian Definition

What it means

The Chalcedonian Definition was written by the Council of Chalcedon in 451. After Nicaea settled that the Son is fully God, the church had to say how the divine Son and his human nature are related in Jesus. Some teachers were dividing him into two persons; others were blending his natures into one. Chalcedon answered both.

It confesses one and the same Christ, "truly God and truly man," of one being with the Father in his deity and of one being with us in his humanity, "like us in all things except sin." His two natures are united in one person "without confusion, without change, without division, without separation." The first two phrases guard against mixing the natures; the last two guard against splitting the person.

The Definition does not explain the mystery of the incarnation. It sets boundaries around it, so that the church confesses everything Scripture says about Christ. The Reformers received it, and the Westminster and 1689 confessions repeat its language. A church whose teaching on Christ fits within it holds the historic faith on the person of Christ.

In Scripture

• John 1:14

  John 1:14

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  The Word became flesh, without ceasing to be the Word.

• Hebrews 4:15

  Hebrews 4:15

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  Our high priest was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

• Luke 2:52

  Luke 2:52

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  Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, a real human life and growth.

• John 8:58

  John 8:58

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  Jesus says before Abraham was, I am, speaking as the eternal one.

• Galatians 4:4

  Galatians 4:4

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  God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.