The Divine Necessity of the Incarnation for Salvation

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound mystery of the Incarnation, emphasizing its necessity for our salvation and understanding of God. The Incarnation is not merely a theological concept but a divine necessity, as it bridges the gap between humanity and the divine. The glory of God, as seen in the transfiguration and other biblical accounts, is overwhelming and beyond human comprehension. Yet, through the Incarnation, God veils His glory in human flesh, allowing us to encounter Him without being consumed by His holiness.

The Incarnation is essential for two primary reasons: truth and grace. Truth about God cannot be fully comprehended through propositions or partial revelations. It required the embodiment of truth in Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. This dual nature allows Him to reveal God to us in a way we can understand and relate to. Grace, on the other hand, demanded that Jesus be made of a woman and under the law, fulfilling the requirements of the law on our behalf. This was necessary for our redemption, as only a perfect human could satisfy the demands of the law and overcome the taunts of the devil.

Furthermore, the Incarnation is crucial because it establishes Jesus as our perfect representative. As humans, we needed a human representative to bear our sins and fulfill the law's demands. Yet, only God could bear the weight of sin and conquer death. Thus, Jesus, being both God and man, is uniquely qualified to be our Savior. His resurrection is the ultimate proof of His divinity and victory over death, offering us new life and a new nature.

In conclusion, the Incarnation is the cornerstone of our faith, providing the means for our salvation and the revelation of God's truth and grace. It is through Jesus, the God-man, that we receive new life, become partakers of the divine nature, and are united with Him as His body, the Church.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Necessity of the Incarnation: The Incarnation is essential for revealing God's truth and grace. Without it, we could not comprehend the fullness of God or receive His grace. Jesus, as both God and man, bridges the gap between the divine and human, allowing us to encounter God without being overwhelmed by His glory. [12:14]

2. Jesus as Our Perfect Representative: Jesus had to be fully human to represent us and fulfill the law's demands. His humanity allows Him to bear our sins and satisfy the law, while His divinity ensures His victory over sin and death. This dual nature is crucial for our redemption. [19:24]

3. The Victory Over Death: Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate proof of His divinity and victory over death. As the God-man, He conquers death, offering us new life and the hope of resurrection. This victory assures us of our salvation and eternal life with God. [31:03]

4. Partakers of the Divine Nature: Through the Incarnation, we receive a new nature and become partakers of the divine nature. This transformation is not an improvement of our old nature but a complete renewal, making us part of a new humanity in Christ. [36:21]

5. The Sympathetic High Priest: Jesus, having lived as a man, understands our struggles and temptations. As our high priest, He intercedes for us with compassion and empathy, offering us grace and help in our time of need. This personal connection with our Savior provides comfort and strength in our spiritual journey. [40:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [09:17] - The Glory of God Revealed
- [10:11] - Paul's Encounter with Christ
- [10:58] - John's Vision in Revelation
- [11:31] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [12:14] - The Necessity of the Incarnation
- [13:00] - Emmanuel: God With Us
- [14:10] - The Role of Grace
- [15:36] - The Human Representative
- [19:24] - The True Humanity of Christ
- [23:17] - Made Under the Law
- [25:59] - The Purpose of His Death
- [28:09] - The Divine Nature of Christ
- [31:03] - Victory Over Death
- [36:21] - Partakers of the Divine Nature
- [40:09] - The Sympathetic High Priest

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Mystery of the Incarnation

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 9:32-34
2. Galatians 4:4-5
3. Hebrews 2:14-17

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 9:32-34, what was the reaction of Peter and the others when they witnessed the glory of God? How does this illustrate the overwhelming nature of God's glory? [09:17]

2. According to Galatians 4:4-5, why was it necessary for Jesus to be "made of a woman" and "made under the law"? How does this relate to the concept of grace? [14:29]

3. Hebrews 2:14-17 describes Jesus taking on flesh and blood. What reasons are given for why Jesus had to become fully human? [21:41]

4. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of Jesus as both God and man, and why is this dual nature essential for our salvation? [28:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon emphasizes that the Incarnation was necessary for us to comprehend God's truth and grace. How does the Incarnation make the truth about God more accessible to humanity? [12:14]

2. In what ways does Jesus' role as our perfect representative fulfill the demands of the law and overcome the taunts of the devil? How does this impact our understanding of redemption? [19:24]

3. The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the ultimate proof of His divinity and victory over death. How does this assurance of victory influence a believer's perspective on life and death? [31:03]

4. The sermon mentions that through the Incarnation, believers become partakers of the divine nature. What does it mean to receive a new nature, and how does this transformation affect a believer's life? [36:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the concept of God's glory. How does the Incarnation help you approach God with confidence rather than fear? [09:17]

2. Consider the dual nature of Jesus as both God and man. How does this understanding influence your daily walk with Christ, especially when facing challenges or temptations? [28:44]

3. Jesus' resurrection assures us of victory over death. How does this assurance affect your outlook on current struggles or fears you may have? [31:03]

4. The sermon highlights that through the Incarnation, we receive a new nature. What specific changes have you noticed in your life since becoming a believer, and how can you continue to nurture this new nature? [36:21]

5. Jesus is described as a sympathetic high priest who understands our struggles. How can this knowledge provide comfort and strength in your current spiritual journey? [40:09]

6. The Incarnation is essential for understanding God's truth and grace. How can you actively seek to deepen your understanding of these concepts in your personal study or group discussions? [12:14]

7. Reflect on the idea of being part of a new humanity in Christ. How can you live out this identity in your interactions with others, both within and outside the church community? [36:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Incarnation as Divine Necessity
The Incarnation is a profound mystery that serves as a divine necessity, bridging the gap between humanity and the divine. It is not just a theological concept but an essential act of God that allows us to encounter Him without being overwhelmed by His glory. Through the Incarnation, God veils His overwhelming glory in human flesh, making it possible for us to comprehend His truth and receive His grace. Jesus, being both fully God and fully man, embodies the truth about God in a way that is relatable and understandable to us. This dual nature is crucial for our salvation, as it allows Jesus to fulfill the law's demands on our behalf and offer us redemption. [12:14]

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: In what ways can you seek to encounter God more deeply, knowing that He has made Himself accessible through the Incarnation?


Day 2: Jesus as Our Perfect Representative
Jesus' role as our perfect representative is central to the Incarnation. As humans, we needed a representative who could bear our sins and fulfill the law's demands. Jesus, being fully human, was able to represent us, while His divinity ensured His victory over sin and death. This dual nature is essential for our redemption, as only a perfect human could satisfy the law, and only God could conquer death. Jesus' humanity allows Him to empathize with our struggles, while His divinity provides the power to overcome them. [19:24]

Hebrews 2:17 (ESV): "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."

Reflection: How does knowing Jesus as your perfect representative change the way you approach your own struggles and failures today?


Day 3: The Victory Over Death
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of His divinity and victory over death. As the God-man, Jesus conquers death, offering us new life and the hope of resurrection. This victory assures us of our salvation and eternal life with God. The Incarnation, therefore, is not just about Jesus' birth but also about His triumph over death, which provides us with the assurance of new life and a new nature. This victory is a cornerstone of our faith, giving us hope and confidence in the promise of eternal life. [31:03]

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the victory over death that Jesus has won for you?


Day 4: Partakers of the Divine Nature
Through the Incarnation, we receive a new nature and become partakers of the divine nature. This transformation is not merely an improvement of our old nature but a complete renewal, making us part of a new humanity in Christ. As believers, we are united with Jesus and become part of His body, the Church. This new nature empowers us to live in a way that reflects God's character and purposes. It is a call to live out our identity in Christ, embracing the transformation that He has made possible through His Incarnation. [36:21]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live out your new nature as a partaker of the divine nature?


Day 5: The Sympathetic High Priest
Jesus, having lived as a man, understands our struggles and temptations. As our high priest, He intercedes for us with compassion and empathy, offering us grace and help in our time of need. This personal connection with our Savior provides comfort and strength in our spiritual journey. Knowing that Jesus is our sympathetic high priest encourages us to approach Him with confidence, trusting in His understanding and willingness to help us. His empathy assures us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have a Savior who truly cares for us. [40:09]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: How can you draw near to Jesus today, knowing that He is your sympathetic high priest who understands your struggles?

Quotes


The glory of God, as seen in the transfiguration and other biblical accounts, is overwhelming and beyond human comprehension. Yet, through the Incarnation, God veils His glory in human flesh, allowing us to encounter Him without being consumed by His holiness. This is the profound mystery of the Incarnation. [00:11:31]

The Incarnation is essential for revealing God's truth and grace. Without it, we could not comprehend the fullness of God or receive His grace. Jesus, as both God and man, bridges the gap between the divine and human, allowing us to encounter God without being overwhelmed by His glory. [00:12:14]

The truth about God cannot finally be stated adequately in propositions. There were those Revelations of it parts and portions bits and pieces as we've seen given in the old time but oh it wasn't enough it wasn't adequate it was just something to encourage the people and to lead them on then he comes. [00:13:00]

Our representative must be human, must be a man. Why? Well, because we are human. It is man who has form, it is man who has become sinful, it is man who is in disgrace. It is mankind itself that fell in man, and so the Lord rightly demands the punishment of man. [00:15:36]

The Incarnation is absolutely essential for that reason he must be a man otherwise he doesn't represent us neither the law nor the devil would ever have been satisfied so he had to become a man and live as he did and die as he did and be buried in a grave as he was. [00:27:59]

If he had not been God as well as men, he would not have saved us even though he had died upon the cross and was buried in a grave. If he had been man only, our burden would have killed him and destroyed him in the sense of his eternal separation from God. [00:28:09]

Because he is God as well as man, he is able even to deal with the problem of death. Listen to how he puts it himself in this selfsame Gospel of John in chapter 10 in vers 17 and 18 therefore he says do my father love me because I lay down my life that I may take it again. [00:29:03]

Through the Incarnation, we receive a new nature and become partakers of the divine nature. This transformation is not an improvement of our old nature but a complete renewal, making us part of a new humanity in Christ. We are born again, becoming partakers of a new humanity. [00:36:21]

Our Savior must be a god men God and Men how well like this look at these aspects of this great matter we have seen that the law has postulated that we receive new life we need a new nature we need a new heart a new outlook new everything and it is in and through him that we receive it. [00:36:21]

The sympathetic high priest, Jesus, having lived as a man, understands our struggles and temptations. As our high priest, He intercedes for us with compassion and empathy, offering us grace and help in our time of need. This personal connection with our Savior provides comfort and strength. [00:40:09]

We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin if he hadn't become men he could never have been tempted God neither tempteth any man nor can be tempted says James in his first chapter. [00:40:09]

The law demands the Incarnation he must be God he must be man he must be made of a woman he must be made under the law and yet he must be God and he is birth so the law was given by Moses but thank God grace and truth came through or by or in Jesus Christ. [00:42:09]

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