The Divine Mystery of Incarnation and Virgin Birth

Devotional

Day 1: The Incarnation: God’s Union with Humanity

The Incarnation is a profound mystery that reveals the divine nature of Jesus Christ and His unique role in our redemption. By taking on human nature, Jesus, the second person of the Holy Trinity, became one with us in the human race. This union was necessary for our salvation, as only by partaking in our flesh and blood could He redeem us. The Incarnation is not merely a theological concept but a vital truth that underscores the reality of our redemption. It is essential to be precise and clear in our understanding of this doctrine, as any deviation could undermine the foundation of our faith. [19:38]

Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the reality of Jesus' humanity in your daily walk with Him, recognizing His shared experience with your own struggles and joys?

Day 2: The Virgin Birth: A Divine Intervention

The Virgin Birth is a logical and necessary extension of the Incarnation, emphasizing Jesus' divine origin and sinlessness. This miraculous event, orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, ensured that Jesus was born sinless, free from the corruption of the Fall. The Virgin Birth is not just a miraculous event but a necessary one, affirming the sinlessness and divinity of Christ. It challenges our understanding and calls us to accept the authority of Scripture, even when it transcends human reason. [21:41]

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Reflection: How does the miraculous nature of the Virgin Birth challenge your understanding of God's ways, and how can you cultivate a deeper trust in His divine plans?

Day 3: Embracing the Mystery of Faith

The Virgin Birth challenges human understanding, calling us to accept the authority of Scripture and the reality of divine intervention. It is a reminder that God's ways transcend human reason and require faith and humility. The extraordinary nature of Jesus' birth, life, and resurrection highlights His uniqueness and divine mission. The Virgin Birth is a sign of the mystery of the Incarnation, pointing to the divine entering the human realm. [24:08]

1 Corinthians 1:25 (ESV): "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to understand God's plan? How can you practice humility and faith in accepting His wisdom over your own understanding?

Day 4: The Uniqueness of Christ’s Mission

The extraordinary nature of Jesus' birth, life, and resurrection highlights His uniqueness and divine mission. The Virgin Birth is a sign of the mystery of the Incarnation, a tangible expression of the divine entering the human realm. It challenges our understanding and calls us to accept the authority of Scripture, even when it transcends human reason. This truth should inspire awe and gratitude, reminding us of the lengths to which God went to redeem us. [35:13]

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: Reflect on the uniqueness of Christ's mission in your life. How can you live in a way that honors His divine purpose and reflects His love to others?

Day 5: The Purpose of the Incarnation and Virgin Birth

The purpose of the Incarnation and Virgin Birth is our salvation, demonstrating God's love and desire to redeem humanity. The Son of God became the Son of Man so that we might become sons of God. This supreme act of God was not for spectacle but for our salvation. This truth should inspire awe and gratitude, reminding us of the lengths to which God went to redeem us. [40:40]

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV): "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, so that we might receive adoption as sons."

Reflection: How does the reality of being adopted as a child of God through Jesus' Incarnation and Virgin Birth impact your identity and daily life? What steps can you take to live more fully in this truth today?

Sermon Summary

The profound mystery of the Incarnation and the Virgin Birth is a cornerstone of our faith, revealing the divine nature of Jesus Christ and His unique role in our redemption. Jesus, the second person of the Holy Trinity, took on human nature, becoming one with us in the human race. This union was necessary for our salvation, as only by partaking in our flesh and blood could He redeem us. The doctrine of the Incarnation is not merely a theological concept but a vital truth that underscores the reality of our redemption. It is essential to be precise and clear in our understanding of this doctrine, as any deviation could undermine the foundation of our faith.

The Virgin Birth is a logical extension of the Incarnation. It is a doctrine that has been debated and misunderstood, yet it is crucial for understanding the nature of Christ. The Virgin Birth signifies that Jesus had no earthly father, emphasizing His divine origin. This miraculous event was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that Jesus was born sinless, free from the corruption of the Fall. The Virgin Birth is not just a miraculous event but a necessary one, affirming the sinlessness and divinity of Christ.

The mystery of the Virgin Birth is a testament to the extraordinary nature of Jesus. His birth, life, and resurrection are all marked by divine intervention, setting Him apart from all humanity. The Virgin Birth is a sign of the mystery of the Incarnation, a tangible expression of the divine entering the human realm. It challenges our understanding and calls us to accept the authority of Scripture, even when it transcends human reason.

In embracing the doctrine of the Virgin Birth, we acknowledge the profound mystery of godliness—God in the flesh. This supreme act of God was not for spectacle but for our salvation. The Son of God became the Son of Man so that we might become sons of God. This truth should inspire awe and gratitude, reminding us of the lengths to which God went to redeem us.

Key Takeaways

1. The Incarnation is essential for our redemption, as Jesus had to partake in our human nature to save us. This union with humanity underscores the necessity of the Incarnation for our salvation. [19:38]
2. The Virgin Birth is a logical and necessary extension of the Incarnation, emphasizing Jesus' divine origin and sinlessness. It is a doctrine that affirms the miraculous nature of Christ's birth and His unique role in salvation history. [21:41]
3. The Virgin Birth challenges human understanding, calling us to accept the authority of Scripture and the reality of divine intervention. It is a reminder that God's ways transcend human reason and require faith and humility. [24:08]
4. The extraordinary nature of Jesus' birth, life, and resurrection highlights His uniqueness and divine mission. The Virgin Birth is a sign of the mystery of the Incarnation, pointing to the divine entering the human realm. [35:13]
5. The purpose of the Incarnation and Virgin Birth is our salvation, demonstrating God's love and desire to redeem humanity. The Son of God became the Son of Man so that we might become sons of God, a truth that should inspire awe and gratitude. [40:40]
** [40:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:07] - The Necessity of the Incarnation
[19:54] - Precision in Doctrine
[20:24] - Definition of the Incarnation
[20:54] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
[21:41] - Introduction to the Virgin Birth
[22:32] - Approaching the Virgin Birth
[23:12] - The Role of Revelation
[25:13] - Scriptural Basis for the Virgin Birth
[26:09] - Mary's Surprise and Faith
[27:18] - Joseph's Faith and Obedience
[29:02] - The Work of God in the Virgin Birth
[30:17] - The Significance of the Virgin Birth
[32:01] - The Mystery of the Holy Spirit's Work
[34:09] - The Inevitability of the Virgin Birth
[35:13] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
[40:40] - The Purpose of the Incarnation

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 2:14-17, why was it necessary for Jesus to partake in human nature? How does this relate to the concept of redemption? [19:38]
In Luke 1:26-38, how does Mary respond to the angel's announcement of the Virgin Birth? What does this reveal about her understanding and faith?
What role does Joseph play in the narrative of the Virgin Birth as described in Matthew 1:18-25, and how does he respond to the angel's message? [27:18]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between the Incarnation and the Virgin Birth? Why is this connection important? [21:41]

Interpretation Questions

How does the doctrine of the Incarnation underscore the necessity of Jesus' union with humanity for our salvation? What implications does this have for our understanding of redemption? [19:38]
The Virgin Birth is described as a "logical and necessary extension" of the Incarnation. In what ways does this doctrine affirm the divine origin and sinlessness of Christ? [21:41]
The sermon suggests that the Virgin Birth challenges human understanding and calls for faith and humility. How does this doctrine encourage believers to accept the authority of Scripture? [24:08]
In what ways does the extraordinary nature of Jesus' birth, life, and resurrection highlight His uniqueness and divine mission? How does this understanding impact our view of Christ's role in salvation history? [35:13]

Application Questions

Reflect on the necessity of the Incarnation for our redemption. How does understanding Jesus' union with humanity deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice? [19:38]
The Virgin Birth emphasizes Jesus' divine origin and sinlessness. How does this truth inspire you to live a life that reflects Christ's purity and holiness? [21:41]
The sermon calls us to accept the authority of Scripture, even when it transcends human reason. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God's Word? How can you cultivate a deeper faith and humility? [24:08]
Consider the extraordinary nature of Jesus' birth, life, and resurrection. How does this understanding of Christ's uniqueness influence your daily walk with Him? [35:13]
The purpose of the Incarnation and Virgin Birth is our salvation. How does this demonstration of God's love and desire to redeem humanity inspire you to share the gospel with others? [40:40]
Reflect on the role of Mary and Joseph in the narrative of the Virgin Birth. How can their faith and obedience serve as examples for your own spiritual journey? [27:18]
The sermon highlights the mystery of godliness—God in the flesh. How does this profound truth inspire awe and gratitude in your heart, and how can you express this in your worship and daily life? [39:44]

Sermon Clips

The doctrine of our Redemption ultimately depends upon that. If it was not our human nature, He could not have saved us, as the second chapter of the Hebrews argues so clearly. Because we are partakers of this Flesh and Blood, He had to partake of the same. It's the only way in which He can save us. [00:19:32]

We must be precise and clear and certain and definite in all our statements. Otherwise, without knowing it, we may make the doctrine of our own Redemption quite impossible. Very well, there then we have had a detailed definition of this doctrine of the Incarnation. [00:19:55]

The second person in the Eternal blessed Holy Trinity has taken unto Himself human nature and thus has appeared in the likeness of men and in the likeness of sinful flesh here in this world of time. Very well, having said that, we've been looking at the mystery of the Incarnation. [00:20:24]

The Virgin Birth, I do trust that we are all observing the order in which we are taking them. I do indeed conceive it to be my main function in these addresses to show you the order, the details, and the facts you can derive from the scriptures themselves. [00:21:41]

The doctrine of the Virgin Birth must always be considered first and foremost in a negative way. What it says negatively is this: that He had no earthly father. He was not born of the will of men or of the will or the energy of the flesh at all. [00:29:02]

The male human being does not enter into the question of His conception or birth at all. Now that's a very remarkable thing because, as we've seen already in working with the great doctrines at the beginning of the book of Genesis, the glory of God is, as it were, in the man. [00:30:17]

The Virgin Birth, if you like, therefore, is the sign of the mystery of the Incarnation. It's the kind of sign of the mystery. You can't get at the mystery. This is a kind of sign or symbol of that mystery. There it is in a tangible form, this Virgin Birth. [00:35:13]

His coming into the world was mysterious; His going out of it was mysterious. He didn't enter into life like anybody else. He didn't go out of it like anybody else. The resurrection is as unique as the Virgin Birth, quite as unique. It had never happened to anybody before. [00:35:29]

If you do not believe in the doctrine of the Virgin Birth, how then do you account for His sinlessness? How do you account for the fact that He was without sin? Are we not entitled to put it like this: if He had been born in the ordinary way of a father and a mother, then surely He would have been an ordinary person. [00:36:40]

The person is the Eternal person, the second person in the Blessed Holy Trinity. When a husband and a wife come together and a child is born, a new person, a new personality comes into being. That didn't happen in the Incarnation. [00:37:26]

The Son of God became the Son of Man that the Son of Man might become sons of God. [00:40:40]

The scriptures tell me that it was. He was conceived of the Holy Ghost. He was born of a virgin named Mary. Man is entirely excluded. The male doesn't come in. Joseph is there ever to remind us of that. It is entirely the work of God. [00:40:57]

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