Actually, this series is from Understanding Bible Truth booklets by Robert Hicks and Richard Bewes (1981), but I have expanded some texts for modern readers (to make it easier to read) and added Scripture quotes (I’m using ESV Bible) into these writings to clarify its points more clearly. My purpose of making this series available in the internet is single: So that you can be clear the essential facts about the Bible’s teaching in a readily understandable form.
First, What is Incarnation?
The word “incarnation” means “to become human”. The New Testament tells us that God became human being. This person, Jesus Christ, was fully God and fully man. [If you want to know more about this Great-Mystery-subject, I suggest that you read ‘Chapter 5: God Incarnate’ from J.I. Packer’s Knowing God].
Christ was Son of God before Time and Space
The Bible teaches that Jesus did not come into being when He was born, but that He has always existed as the Son of God. It was through Him that God created the universe, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17 declares (see also John 1:1-3),
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Incarnation was a Supernatural Conception
While Christ’s birth was normal as that of any human, His conception occurred through the intervention of the Holy Spirit (read Matthew 1:18-25). Because of this, Jesus was both fully God (100%) and fully man (100%). [Not like Greek mythology heroes of a half-God (50%) and half-man (50%)].
The circumstances of Jesus Christ’s birth help us to understand that He was born without sin. The human tendency to sin is inherited from our parents. Because of the unique conception of Jesus, He was born without sin nature. Peter, one of His closest disciples and authorized apostle writes, “[Jesus] committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22).
It Upholds Christ’s Full Deity
As the New Testament unfolds, the fact that Christ is God is increasingly revealed. A careful and prayerful reading of the Gospels will gives us bold acclamation of Jesus’ deity.
Christ’s character: His sinlessness and purity
One time He challenged the religious leaders, “Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?” (John 8:46). They were silenced.
Christ’s claims: to be the center of all truth, to be the world’s Judge, and to have a unique relationship to the Father)
For example, read John 8:50-58, where the religious leaders angry at Him because of His hard-truths claimed.
Christ’s conduct: in performing miracles, forgiving sins and accepting worship
For example, after He healed a man completely in front of everyone and that man worshipped Him, He doesn’t stop him. Instead He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:20-21).
It Establishes Christ’s Full Humanity
The New Testament shows that Christ was fully human, born into a Hebrew family, and subject to the Hebrew law. He experienced all the problems that people have to face. He was exposed to hunger and thirst, fatigue and sorrow, and he faced the full force of temptation – yet without ever giving away. Although he was still fully God, Jesus (as a man) shared completely the weaknesses of all men. Because of this, he was perfectly qualified to be the unique bridge in bringing man and God together through the Spirit of adoption. [Again, I suggest that you read ‘Chapter 19: Sons of God’ from J.I. Packer’s Knowing God, especially on ‘Adoption: The Highest Privilege’].
Galatians 4:4-5 declared, “…God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons”.
It Explains Christ’s Unique Personality
Jesus Christ is without parallel, for He is both God and man, in two distinct natures, and one person forever (In the Trinity Doctrine; One God in 3 persons –The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit – are One). The New Testament writers do not try to explain, as a philosophy, how one personality could be both human and divine. But the portrait they give us identifies Him both with man and with God.
It Validates Christ’s Saving Ministry
I have to admit, there are aspects of the incarnation that are beyond our understanding. But one thing is clear. We know enough (if you read your Bible) to realize that in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, is found the one Savior that the human race needs. By laying aside His eternal splendor, and involving Himself in mankind’s burdens (Philippians 2:5-11) – even to the point of death on the cross for our sins – He become the Reconciler between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), and by His resurrection, He brings our humanity to heaven (Ephesians 2:6).
My Conclusion about Jesus’ Incarnation
Errors have arisen in Christian history, (yes, even more in our today’s postmodern world) when either Christ’s deity or His humanity has been taught properly – or worst – not taught in our churches at all. Go back to the basic of Scriptural Doctrine! It must be understood that in every way He is fully God and fully man – this is the truth. To God be the Glory forever and ever. Amen.
THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.
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