The Mystery of the Incarnation and Redemption

 

Summary

In our exploration of the biblical doctrine of redemption, we have delved into the profound mystery of the Incarnation, which is central to understanding the person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The entire Bible, both Old and New Testaments, points to Him as the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate judge of the world. The Incarnation is not merely a theological concept but a pivotal truth that underscores the necessity of the Trinity in the Christian faith. Without the Trinity, the doctrine of redemption loses its foundation, as it is through the second person of the Trinity, the Son, that redemption is accomplished.

The Incarnation asserts that the eternal Son of God took on human nature, not as a new personality but as the same divine person manifesting in human form. This was not a mere appearance or a temporary form but a true and complete human nature, derived from the Virgin Mary, yet free from sin through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. This doctrine is essential because it affirms that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, capable of bridging the gap between humanity and God.

The virgin birth is a testament to the miraculous nature of the Incarnation. It emphasizes that Jesus had no earthly father, highlighting the divine initiative in salvation. This miraculous birth is consistent with the extraordinary nature of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The virgin birth is not an isolated miracle but part of the larger mystery of the Incarnation, which is foundational to our redemption.

Understanding these truths requires humility and faith, as they transcend human reason and understanding. We must approach these doctrines with the recognition that they are revealed by God and are essential for our salvation. The Incarnation and virgin birth are not just theological concepts but the very means by which God has chosen to save us, demonstrating His love and grace in the most profound way.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Incarnation is central to the doctrine of redemption, emphasizing the necessity of the Trinity. Without belief in the Trinity, one cannot fully grasp the Christian position or the doctrine of redemption. The Incarnation reveals the eternal Son of God taking on human nature, not as a new personality but as the same divine person manifesting in human form. [04:44]

2. The Incarnation asserts that Jesus Christ took on a true and complete human nature, derived from the Virgin Mary, yet free from sin through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. This doctrine affirms that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, capable of bridging the gap between humanity and God. [08:23]

3. The virgin birth highlights the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that Jesus had no earthly father. This miraculous birth is consistent with the extraordinary nature of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and is part of the larger mystery of the Incarnation. [29:27]

4. Understanding the Incarnation and virgin birth requires humility and faith, as they transcend human reason and understanding. These doctrines are revealed by God and are essential for our salvation, demonstrating His love and grace in the most profound way. [24:03]

5. The Incarnation and virgin birth are not just theological concepts but the very means by which God has chosen to save us. They underscore the mystery and majesty of God's plan for redemption, inviting us to marvel at His wisdom and love. [39:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Redemption
- [00:33] - Focus on Jesus Christ
- [01:05] - Fulfillment of Old Testament Promises
- [02:02] - Doctrine of the Incarnation
- [03:14] - Importance of Clarity in Doctrine
- [04:10] - Trinity and Redemption
- [05:02] - The Word Made Flesh
- [07:05] - True Incarnation, Not Mere Appearance
- [09:43] - No Change in Divine Personality
- [11:07] - Jesus Came in the Flesh
- [12:50] - Real Human Nature, Not Theophany
- [16:12] - Complete Human Nature from Mary
- [20:53] - Doctrine of the Virgin Birth
- [29:02] - Divine Initiative in Salvation
- [34:04] - Mystery of the Incarnation
- [39:24] - The Supreme Act of God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of the Incarnation and Redemption

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
2. Hebrews 2:14 - "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil."
3. Matthew 1:18-25 - The account of the virgin birth of Jesus.

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does the doctrine of the Incarnation relate to the Trinity? [04:10]
2. What does the sermon say about the nature of Jesus' human form? Was it a mere appearance or something more? [07:05]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the virgin birth? [26:57]
4. What is the significance of Jesus having no earthly father according to the sermon? [29:27]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the necessity of the Trinity for understanding the doctrine of redemption? [04:44]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Incarnation and virgin birth demonstrate God's love and grace? [24:03]
3. How does the sermon address the mystery and miraculous nature of the Incarnation and virgin birth? [34:04]
4. What implications does the sermon suggest the virgin birth has for understanding Jesus' sinlessness? [36:40]

Application Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and faith in understanding the Incarnation and virgin birth. How can you cultivate humility and faith in your own spiritual journey? [24:03]
2. Reflect on the idea that Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God. How does this truth impact your relationship with God and others? [08:23]
3. The sermon highlights the divine initiative in salvation. How can you recognize and respond to God's initiative in your life? [29:27]
4. Consider the mystery of the Incarnation. How can embracing mystery in your faith journey lead to a deeper understanding of God's plan for your life? [39:24]
5. The sermon suggests that the Incarnation and virgin birth are not just theological concepts but the means by which God has chosen to save us. How does this perspective change the way you view your own salvation? [39:24]
6. How can the understanding of Jesus' true and complete human nature influence the way you relate to Him in your daily life? [12:50]
7. The sermon calls us to marvel at God's wisdom and love. What specific actions can you take this week to express gratitude for God's plan of redemption? [39:24]

Devotional

Day 1: The Incarnation as the Foundation of Redemption
The Incarnation is central to the Christian doctrine of redemption, emphasizing the necessity of the Trinity. Without belief in the Trinity, one cannot fully grasp the Christian position or the doctrine of redemption. The Incarnation reveals the eternal Son of God taking on human nature, not as a new personality but as the same divine person manifesting in human form. This profound truth underscores the unity and diversity within the Godhead, highlighting the cooperative work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation. The Incarnation is not merely a theological concept but a pivotal truth that underscores the necessity of the Trinity in the Christian faith. [04:44]

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: How does the understanding of the Trinity deepen your appreciation for the Incarnation and its role in your personal redemption story?


Day 2: Jesus Christ: Fully God and Fully Man
The Incarnation asserts that Jesus Christ took on a true and complete human nature, derived from the Virgin Mary, yet free from sin through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. This doctrine affirms that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, capable of bridging the gap between humanity and God. By becoming fully human, Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and challenges, yet remained without sin, making Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity. This dual nature is essential for understanding how Jesus can empathize with our weaknesses while also providing the perfect sacrifice for our sins. [08:23]

"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." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you draw strength from knowing that Jesus fully understands your human experiences and struggles?


Day 3: The Virgin Birth: A Testament to Divine Initiative
The virgin birth highlights the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that Jesus had no earthly father. This miraculous birth is consistent with the extraordinary nature of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and is part of the larger mystery of the Incarnation. The virgin birth serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine gift, initiated and accomplished by God Himself. It underscores the miraculous nature of God's plan and His sovereign ability to bring about His purposes in ways that transcend human understanding. [29:27]

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

Reflection: How does the miraculous nature of the virgin birth inspire you to trust in God's ability to work in seemingly impossible situations in your life?


Day 4: Embracing the Mystery with Humility and Faith
Understanding the Incarnation and virgin birth requires humility and faith, as they transcend human reason and understanding. These doctrines are revealed by God and are essential for our salvation, demonstrating His love and grace in the most profound way. As believers, we are called to approach these mysteries with a posture of humility, acknowledging that God's ways are higher than our ways. This humility opens the door to a deeper faith, allowing us to trust in God's revealed truths even when they surpass our finite understanding. [24:03]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to understand God's ways? How can you practice humility and faith in that area today?


Day 5: The Incarnation and Virgin Birth: God's Plan for Redemption
The Incarnation and virgin birth are not just theological concepts but the very means by which God has chosen to save us. They underscore the mystery and majesty of God's plan for redemption, inviting us to marvel at His wisdom and love. Through these divine acts, God has demonstrated His commitment to restoring the broken relationship between Himself and humanity. As we reflect on these truths, we are invited to respond with gratitude and awe, recognizing the depth of God's love and the lengths He has gone to secure our salvation. [39:24]

"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." (Galatians 4:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you express your gratitude for God's redemptive plan in your daily life, and what steps can you take to share this message of hope with others?

Quotes

The Incarnation asserts that the eternal Son of God took on human nature, not as a new personality but as the same divine person manifesting in human form. This was not a mere appearance or a temporary form but a true and complete human nature, derived from the Virgin Mary, yet free from sin through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. [00:02:02]

The doctrine of the Incarnation does not say that it was merely the divine nature that somehow became united with human nature and so formed a person. It isn't merely the divine nature; it is the second person himself, the person who became flesh. [00:08:23]

The virgin birth highlights the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that Jesus had no earthly father. This miraculous birth is consistent with the extraordinary nature of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and is part of the larger mystery of the Incarnation. [00:29:27]

Understanding the Incarnation and virgin birth requires humility and faith, as they transcend human reason and understanding. These doctrines are revealed by God and are essential for our salvation, demonstrating His love and grace in the most profound way. [00:24:03]

The Incarnation and virgin birth are not just theological concepts but the very means by which God has chosen to save us. They underscore the mystery and majesty of God's plan for redemption, inviting us to marvel at His wisdom and love. [00:39:24]

The doctrine of the Incarnation asserts that our Lord took unto himself a full and complete human nature. It wasn't merely partial; it was complete. He didn't merely take a body to himself. The doctrine of the Incarnation teaches that he took on him complete human nature, body and soul, including spirit. [00:16:12]

The Incarnation reveals the eternal Son of God taking on human nature, not as a new personality but as the same divine person manifesting in human form. The whole Christian position, in a sense, depends upon the doctrine of the Blessed Holy Trinity. [00:04:44]

The doctrine of the virgin birth must always be considered first and foremost in a negative way, and 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 Incarnation asserts that Jesus Christ took on a true and complete human nature, derived from the Virgin Mary, yet free from sin through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. This doctrine affirms that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, capable of bridging the gap between humanity and God. [00:08:23]

The virgin birth is a testament to the miraculous nature of the Incarnation. It emphasizes that Jesus had no earthly father, highlighting the divine initiative in salvation. This miraculous birth is consistent with the extraordinary nature of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. [00:29:27]

The Incarnation and virgin birth are not just theological concepts but the very means by which God has chosen to save us. They underscore the mystery and majesty of God's plan for redemption, inviting us to marvel at His wisdom and love. [00:39:24]

Understanding these truths requires humility and faith, as they transcend human reason and understanding. We must approach these doctrines with the recognition that they are revealed by God and are essential for our salvation. [00:24:03]

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Transcript
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