The Incarnation of Christ

Admittedly, we preachers sometimes like to use “big theological words” in order to make us sound smart, even if we are not. Other times however, it is necessary to employ big words when speaking of a big God. Perhaps you are already familiar with the term used in the title of this article and could easily define it. Or maybe the word incarnation, is only semi-familiar. Perhaps … you don’t have the foggiest idea what it means. I hope by the end of this article, you will not only know what this doctrine means, but believe and admire the truth it relates.

Simply stated, the word incarnate means to take on flesh. It is the act of assuming flesh. Theologically, Christians affirm that God the Son (co-existent and co-eternal) with the Father, took on flesh and came to this earth to live and die as a man. John 1:14 reads, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The “Word” mentioned in this passage, is identified as none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Regardless of what some false religions teach, Jesus of Nazareth is not just a man, not just partially-man or partially-God, but the Eternal Son of God who became fully human, while never ceasing to be Almighty God. Jesus is truly, the one and only God-Man.

The Bible declares the Eternal God became a mortal person in the womb of Mary. At that moment, God united Himself with flesh and outwardly looked like any other person. Teaching on the incarnation, pastor Alistair Begg said this, “Jesus took upon Himself man’s nature, with all it’s essential properties and common frailties, yet without sin.” He is absolutely right. Though fully God, Jesus was also fully man, and as such – endured the same weaknesses, temptations and trials that all men suffer.

I wonder, have you ever given thought to just how unbelievably gracious it was that God did this for us? Have you ever spent any significant time thinking on the incarnation of Christ? Sure, most every Christmas we sing carols about Jesus becoming a baby and pastors make mention of the incarnation via the virgin birth. But I think this truth demands more awe and admiration than we give normally give it.

During His life and ministry, and even now, Jesus was and is, God robed in human flesh. He lived a perfect and sinless life and then died on Calvary’s cross. We Christians concede, this is indeed a great mystery (1 Timothy 3:16), and hard to be understood. But it is also a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. You can’t be wrong about this and be right with God.

The very Creator God entered His own creation in helpless form as a newborn. Though He is and was the absolute Sovereign of the Universe, He became completely dependent on His earthly mother and father to provide for His every need. He came to His own people, and His own nation rejected Him (John 1:11). Christ came and healed the sick, raised the dead and gave sight to the blind, and yet fallen men crucified Him. Think on this friends, God the Son willingly left behind the worship of angels to be spit upon by sinful men. He distanced Himself from the warmth and brilliance of heaven and was willingly nailed to a Roman cross.

He did this, the Word became incarnate, so that we might one day enjoy the fullness of unfettered fellowship with the Father. O what love is this! What grace indeed is found in the Incarnate Son of God. How we ought to bow in humble adoration that God would do this!

None of us fully appreciate the majesty and magnificent splendor the Son of God enjoyed in the eternal ages. Yet, He willingly left that behind in order to come to this fallen earth and atone for the sins of a world of sinners. Jesus lovingly and humbly condescended and took not on Himself the likeness of holy angels, but frail humanity. Philippians 2:5-11 relate this truth in beautiful expressive fashion, I encourage you to read and meditate on that passage.

Let me close with a poem I found that helps relate this incomprehensible, but glorious truth.

Laurence Housman wrote this:

“Light looked down and beheld darkness

Thither will I go, said Light.

Peace looked down and beheld war.

Thither will I go, said Peace.

Love looked down and beheld hatred.

Thither will I go, said Love.

So Light came down and shone.

So came peace and gave rest.

So came love and brought life.

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”

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