The Incarnation Of God Series

Incarnation: means 'in the flesh'

(refers to when God put on human flesh

and became Man)

The Son of God became a man

so that men could become the sons of God.

The Truth of the Incarnation

If you read John 1, you will see that John begins with some big-time, major claims about who Jesus is and what He came to do... Jesus is the Eternal Son of God (v1a). He is 2nd person of the Trinity (v1b). He is 100% God (v1c). The Creator (v3-4) of all things / people is the same being who we know as Jesus (v10).

God's revelation of Himself is His gift to us. We need to bear in mind that Jesus didn't just appear here, on earth, in Bethlehem, that first Christmas night. He was sent, according to an ancient plan. He stooped way down to humble himself to be en vitro as a baby. He desired to communicate a clear message to us - but He didn't just send a letter or a messenger (angel). He sent us Himself. And with that light, we now have a responsibility to respond. How? By faith (v12). Because God's grace is enough, our faith is enough! Praise the Lord!

Implications of the Incarnation

We can know God in a Personal Way (1 John 1:1-4). God wanted us to know Him - not just about Him. That's why He sent Jesus. Jesus isn't just a messenger or a voice - He is the Message, the WORD. God is not distant, He is not millions of miles away or thousands of years removed from us. He is here, He is near. Do you know Him? Does He know you?

God understands our Every Need (Heb. 2:18). God did not come to earth to learn anything - God already knew it all. God didn't need to be made flesh to understand us by experience - He came so that we would be sure that He understands us. He came for our assurance, not for His learning. But, since Jesus came and lived in weak flesh, we can know that He understands and cares for us. What hope!

We have Full & Sufficient Salvation (Heb. 7:25). Jesus came to die - plain and simple. There is much to learn from His life, but we must realize that His purpose was to be the sacrificial lamb. Because He came as a man, He was able to rescue men from their sins. If we had needed information, God might have sent an educator. If we had needed technology, He might have sent a scientist. If money was our need, He would have sent an economist. If we needed pleasure most, God would have sent an entertainer. But we needed forgiveness, so the Father sent His Son as the Savior!

The Gospel Still Needs Incarnation Today (Phil. 2:5). The gospel has power to change lives - but it needs flesh to do so. Salvation needed a form, a body, a willing sacrifice, a humble servant... Jesus. Will you take His mind and follow His example? So many around you need the gospel - not just a tract or brochure or a CD - they need to see the gospel lived out before them, spoken to them.