------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #Christology, #Christian_doctrine, #incarnation --- # [[The Incarnation]]: [[God]] Becomes Flesh in [[Jesus Christ]] The doctrine of the [[Incarnation]] is foundational to [[Christian theology]], teaching that [[Jesus Christ]] is the eternal Son of [[God]] who took on human nature by being born of the [[Virgin Mary]] through the power of the [[Holy Spirit]]. This belief is central to understanding how [[God]] accomplished the redemption of humanity. In this post, we will explore the rich biblical and theological dimensions of the [[Incarnation]], including its historical development and significance for [[believers]]. --- ## [[God]] With Us: The [[Old Testament]] Hints While the [[Old Testament]] does not explicitly describe the [[Incarnation]], several passages hint at the divine nature of the coming [[Messiah]]. In [Isaiah 7:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+7.14&version=AMP), the prophet foretells the birth of a child called [[Immanuel]], meaning *“[[God]] with us.”* This points to the profound truth that the [[Messiah]] would not simply be a human deliverer, but [[God]] Himself entering into human history. > The [[Messiah]] is not just a mighty leader but “[Mighty [[God]]]” and “[Everlasting [[Father]]]” ([Isaiah 9:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9.6&version=AMP)). These titles emphasize the divine nature of the [[Messiah]], who would rule with justice and peace forever. [[Isaiah]]’s prophecies reveal that the coming [[Savior]] would embody the presence of [[God]] among [[His people]], laying the groundwork for the [[00.New Testament]] revelation of [[Jesus Christ]] as the [[God-man]]. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on the reality that [[Jesus]] is not distant but deeply involved in the human experience. How does the truth of “[[God]] with us” shape your understanding of who [[Jesus Christ]] is? --- ## The [[Incarnation]] in the [[Gospels]]: [[Jesus]], Born of the [[Virgin Mary]] In the [[00.New Testament]], the [[Gospels]] provide the clearest accounts of the [[Incarnation]]. [Matthew 1:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1.23&version=AMP) quotes [[Isaiah]]’s prophecy, affirming that [[Jesus]] is indeed *“[[Immanuel]], [[God]] with us.”* The [[Gospel of Matthew]] highlights that [[Jesus]], though born in humble circumstances, is the fulfillment of [[Old Testament]] prophecy and the divine [[Savior]]. > “The [[Holy Spirit]] will come upon you, and the power of the [[Most High]] will overshadow you,” the angel tells [[Mary]] in [Luke 1:35](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1.35&version=AMP). This miraculous conception points to the work of the [[Holy Spirit]], bringing about the union of divine and human in the person of [[Jesus]]. The [[Virgin Birth]], central to the doctrine of the [[Incarnation]], shows that [[Jesus]]’ human nature was not the result of ordinary human generation but a divine act. [[Jesus]], while fully human, is also fully divine, conceived by the [[Holy Spirit]] and born of [[Mary]]. #### Call to Action: - Consider how the miraculous nature of [[Jesus]]’ birth sets Him apart as the [[Savior]] of the world. How does the [[Virgin Birth]] deepen your understanding of [[Jesus]]’ uniqueness? --- ## The [[Word]] Became Flesh: The [[Incarnation]] in [[01-Intro .John]] and [[Paul]] The [[Gospel of John]] opens with one of the most profound statements about the [[Incarnation]]: “The [[Word]] became flesh and dwelt among us” ([John 1:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1.14&version=AMP)). Here, [[01-Intro .John]] identifies [[Jesus]] as the eternal [[Word]] (Logos), the agent of creation who became fully human. [[01-Intro .John]]’s language underscores the mystery of the [[Incarnation]]—[[God]] becoming flesh and living among humanity. > [[Jesus]] is not only a teacher or a prophet; [[Jesus]] is the eternal [[Word]] who *“was with [[God]] and was [[God]]”* ([John 1:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1.1&version=AMP)). In the [[Incarnation]], this divine [[Word]] takes on human form to reveal [[God]]’s glory and bring about [[Salvation]]. [[Paul]] also reflects on the [[Incarnation]] in [Philippians 2:6–11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.6-11&version=AMP), describing how [[Jesus]], though *“in the form of [[God]],”* did not cling to [[His]] divine privileges but *“emptied [[Himself]]”* by taking on human nature. This *kenosis*, or self-emptying, reveals the humility of [[Christ]], who became obedient to the point of death on a cross. #### Call to Action: - How does the self-emptying of [[Christ]] challenge your understanding of humility? Reflect on how [[Jesus]]’ willingness to lay aside [[His]] divine privileges calls you to a life of humility and service. --- ## Fully [[God]] and Fully Man: The [[Hypostatic union]] The theological term for the union of [[Christ]]’s divine and human natures is the *[[Hypostatic union]]*. This doctrine, affirmed at the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in AD 451, teaches that [[Jesus]] has two distinct natures—one divine and one human—united in one person. As [Colossians 1:19](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1.19&version=AMP) affirms, *“in [[Him]] all the fullness of [[God]] was pleased to dwell.”* [[Jesus]] is not part [[God]] and part man; [[He]] is fully [[God]] and fully man, without mixture or division. > *“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: [[He]] was manifested in the flesh”* ([1 Timothy 3:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3.16&version=AMP)). This mystery—the [[Incarnation]]—is at the heart of the [[Christian faith]]. [[God]] did not merely appear in human form; [[God]] became fully human while remaining fully divine. The doctrine of the [[Hypostatic union]] safeguards both [[Jesus]]’ full divinity and [[His]] full humanity. [[Jesus]]’ humanity allows [[Him]] to fully identify with us, and [[His]] divinity ensures that [[He]] can redeem us. #### Call to Action: - Consider how [[Jesus]]’ full humanity and full divinity make [[Him]] the perfect mediator between [[God]] and humanity. How does the doctrine of the [[Hypostatic union]] enhance your understanding of [[Jesus]]’ ability to save? --- ## The [[Incarnation]] and the Cross: [[God]]’s Plan of [[Redemption]] The [[Incarnation]] was not an isolated event but part of [[God]]’s larger plan to redeem humanity. [Galatians 4:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+4.4&version=AMP) states, *“But when the fullness of time had come, [[God]] sent forth [[His]] Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.”* The purpose of the [[Incarnation]] was to bring about [[Salvation]] through the life, death, and resurrection of [[Jesus]]. > In the [[Incarnation]], [[Jesus]] became fully human so that [[He]] could bear the sins of humanity and offer [[Himself]] as the perfect sacrifice. This is why the [[Incarnation]] is inseparable from the cross—[[God]] became man in order to die for us. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on how the cross and the [[Incarnation]] are connected in [[God]]’s work of [[Salvation]]. How does seeing the [[Incarnation]] as part of [[God]]’s redemptive plan deepen your gratitude for [[Jesus]]? --- ## Conclusion The doctrine of the [[Incarnation]] is central to the [[Christian faith]]. [[Jesus Christ]], the eternal Son of [[God]], became fully human without ceasing to be fully divine, in order to save us from sin and death. This profound mystery should inspire both awe and gratitude as we reflect on the lengths to which [[God]] went to redeem us. #### Final Call to Action: - Reflect on the wonder of the [[Incarnation]]—[[God]] taking on human flesh for the sake of [[His people]]. How can you live in greater awe and gratitude for this profound mystery of the [[Christian faith]]?