The Mystery of the Incarnation: Christ's Humanity and Salvation
Summary
In reflecting on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, we are drawn to the heart of the Christian faith: the person of Jesus Christ. The passage from Hebrews 2:14 serves as a focal point, reminding us that Jesus, though divine, took on human nature to accomplish the work of salvation. This act of taking on flesh and blood was not merely a symbolic gesture but a necessary step for our redemption. The Incarnation is not just a historical event but a pivotal moment where God intervened in human history, taking on human nature to defeat the power of death and the devil.
The danger of forgetting Christ is ever-present, as the devil seeks to turn Christianity into mere philosophy or teaching, devoid of the person of Jesus. The essence of Christianity is not found in abstract ideas but in the person of Christ, who is both the Savior and the salvation itself. The Epistle to the Hebrews addresses the struggles of early Christians who faced persecution and doubt, urging them to hold fast to the truth of Christ's divinity and humanity.
The Incarnation is a profound mystery where Jesus, the eternal Son of God, voluntarily took on human nature. This was not a mere appearance but a real and true assumption of humanity, enabling Him to experience suffering, temptation, and ultimately, death. This act was essential for Him to be the captain of our salvation, to die for our sins, and to conquer death and the devil. Moreover, by becoming human, Jesus became a merciful and faithful high priest, able to sympathize with our weaknesses and intercede on our behalf.
The Incarnation also signifies the beginning of a new humanity. Through Christ, we are offered a new nature, becoming partakers of the divine nature and children of God. This transformation is not about mere improvement but a complete rebirth, made possible by Christ's assumption of human nature.
As we meditate on these truths, especially during the Christmas season, we are reminded of the love, compassion, and understanding of Christ, who endured all for our sake. In our struggles and sorrows, we can turn to Him, knowing that He understands and sympathizes with us as no one else can.
Key Takeaways:
- The Incarnation is central to our faith, emphasizing that Jesus, though divine, took on human nature to accomplish salvation. This act was not symbolic but essential for defeating death and the devil. [02:32]
- Christianity is not a philosophy but a relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. The danger lies in forgetting Him and reducing faith to mere teachings. [03:13]
- Jesus' assumption of human nature was voluntary, highlighting His eternal existence and divine nature. This act was necessary for Him to be the author of our salvation. [18:44]
- By becoming human, Jesus became a merciful and faithful high priest, able to sympathize with our weaknesses and intercede for us. This understanding is crucial for our relationship with Him. [33:08]
- The Incarnation signifies the beginning of a new humanity, offering us a new nature and making us children of God. This transformation is a complete rebirth, not mere improvement. [36:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Hebrews 2:14
- [02:12] - The Importance of Christmas
- [03:13] - The Danger of Forgetting Christ
- [04:07] - The Essence of Salvation
- [05:37] - The Struggles of Early Christians
- [07:04] - The Foundation of Christian Faith
- [09:02] - The Heresies Concerning Christ
- [10:18] - The Meaning of the Incarnation
- [12:31] - The Difference Between Partaking and Taking Part
- [15:01] - The Eternal Nature of Christ
- [18:44] - The Voluntary Act of the Incarnation
- [21:37] - The Reality of Christ's Humanity
- [26:31] - The Purpose of the Incarnation
- [33:08] - Christ as Our High Priest
- [36:18] - The New Humanity in Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 2:14-18
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 2:14, what was the purpose of Jesus taking on flesh and blood? How does this relate to the power of death and the devil? [00:29]
2. In the sermon, what is described as the greatest danger for Christians and non-Christians alike? How does this danger affect the essence of Christianity? [02:55]
3. What are the two main heresies concerning the nature of Jesus that the sermon addresses? How do these heresies misunderstand the Incarnation? [07:38]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between "partaking" and "taking part" in human nature? Why is this distinction significant? [12:54]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Incarnation demonstrate both the divinity and humanity of Jesus? Why is it important for Christians to hold onto both aspects of His nature? [06:50]
2. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus became a merciful and faithful high priest. How does His experience of human suffering and temptation enhance His role as our high priest? [33:08]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the transformation offered through the Incarnation? How does this transformation differ from mere self-improvement? [36:18]
4. How does the sermon explain the necessity of Jesus' death in relation to the law and the power of the devil? What implications does this have for our understanding of salvation? [31:49]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that Christianity is not just a philosophy but a relationship with Jesus Christ. How can you ensure that your faith remains centered on Christ rather than just teachings or traditions? [03:13]
2. The sermon warns against the danger of forgetting Christ. What practical steps can you take to keep Christ at the center of your daily life, especially during busy or challenging times? [02:55]
3. Consider the role of Jesus as a merciful and faithful high priest who understands our weaknesses. How can this understanding change the way you approach prayer and your relationship with God? [33:08]
4. The Incarnation signifies a new humanity and a complete rebirth. In what areas of your life do you feel the need for transformation, and how can you invite Christ into that process? [36:18]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of Jesus' voluntary act of taking on human nature. How does this act of humility inspire you to serve others in your community or church? [18:44]
6. Reflect on the idea that Jesus understands our struggles and sorrows. Is there a specific area of your life where you need to rely on His understanding and compassion? How can you do this practically? [39:07]
7. The sermon discusses the danger of reducing Christianity to mere teachings. How can you actively cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus that goes beyond intellectual understanding? [03:13]
Devotional
Day 1: The Incarnation: God's Essential Intervention
The Incarnation is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing that Jesus, though divine, took on human nature to accomplish salvation. This act was not merely symbolic but essential for defeating death and the devil. By becoming human, Jesus was able to experience suffering, temptation, and ultimately, death, which was necessary for Him to be the captain of our salvation. This profound mystery is not just a historical event but a pivotal moment where God intervened in human history, taking on human nature to defeat the power of death and the devil. [02:32]
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 recognize and celebrate the significance of the Incarnation in your daily life, especially in moments of fear or doubt?
Day 2: Christianity: A Relationship, Not a Philosophy
Christianity is not a philosophy but a relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. The danger lies in forgetting Him and reducing faith to mere teachings. The essence of Christianity is found in the person of Christ, who is both the Savior and the salvation itself. The Epistle to the Hebrews addresses the struggles of early Christians who faced persecution and doubt, urging them to hold fast to the truth of Christ's divinity and humanity. This relationship with Christ is what sustains and transforms believers, not abstract ideas or doctrines. [03:13]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with Jesus today, moving beyond intellectual understanding to heartfelt connection?
Day 3: Jesus' Voluntary Act of Love
Jesus' assumption of human nature was voluntary, highlighting His eternal existence and divine nature. This act was necessary for Him to be the author of our salvation. By willingly taking on human form, Jesus demonstrated His profound love and commitment to humanity. This voluntary act was not a mere appearance but a real and true assumption of humanity, enabling Him to experience suffering, temptation, and ultimately, death. It is through this selfless act that Jesus became the captain of our salvation, dying for our sins and conquering death and the devil. [18:44]
Philippians 2:6-8 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you have willingly sacrificed for someone else. How does Jesus' voluntary act inspire you to love and serve others selflessly?
Day 4: Christ, Our Merciful High Priest
By becoming human, Jesus became a merciful and faithful high priest, able to sympathize with our weaknesses and intercede for us. This understanding is crucial for our relationship with Him. Jesus' humanity allows Him to fully understand and empathize with our struggles, making Him a compassionate intercessor on our behalf. As our high priest, He bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering us grace and mercy in our times of need. This role of Jesus as our high priest is a source of comfort and strength, knowing that He is always advocating for us. [33:08]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to rely on Jesus as your high priest, seeking His mercy and grace today?
Day 5: The New Humanity in Christ
The Incarnation signifies the beginning of a new humanity, offering us a new nature and making us children of God. This transformation is a complete rebirth, not mere improvement. Through Christ, we are offered a new nature, becoming partakers of the divine nature and children of God. This new humanity is characterized by a life of holiness, love, and service, reflecting the image of Christ. As we embrace this new identity, we are called to live out our faith in tangible ways, demonstrating the transformative power of the Incarnation in our lives. [36:18]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How can you embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ today, allowing His transformative power to shape your actions and attitudes?
Quotes
The Incarnation is not just a historical event but a pivotal moment where God intervened in human history, taking on human nature to defeat the power of death and the devil. This act of taking on flesh and blood was not merely a symbolic gesture but a necessary step for our redemption. [00:00:26]
The greatest danger of all, it's almost incredible but it's true, is the danger of forgetting him. The devil undoubtedly is very concerned that we should do this. He would turn Christianity into a philosophy, into some sort of teaching or into some general atmosphere or Spirit, anything to take away attention from the Son of God himself. [00:03:10]
It is he himself that matters. It is he who is the savior. It is he indeed who is the Salvation also. In other words, we must think of the Christian Life and the Christian salvation in some general way apart from him. We must realize that there is no salvation apart from the fact that he came into this world. [00:03:51]
The Incarnation is a profound mystery where Jesus, the eternal Son of God, voluntarily took on human nature. This was not a mere appearance but a real and true assumption of humanity, enabling Him to experience suffering, temptation, and ultimately, death. This act was essential for Him to be the captain of our salvation. [00:18:44]
He is emphasizing here that this was a voluntary action on the part of our Lord, that he arrived at a decision in the glory and in eternity and that he acted upon it here. In other words, he is not born like anybody else. He came out of the glory. [00:18:44]
He is truly human. He has a true human nature. He's like his Brethren. He's God. He is also man. All that is true of human nature was true of him apart from sin. He had all the faculties and the powers of the human soul. They were all in him, every one of them. [00:26:31]
He took on human nature unto himself that he might give it us as a new nature. What we need is a new nature. We don't need to be improved. That's not enough. We need to be born again. We need a new nature. We need a new human nature, and he gives it us, his own nature. [00:36:18]
The Son of God, as John Kelvin put it, became the son of men that we, the sinful sons of men, might become sons of God. He had to come. If he hadn't done that, we'd never have a new nature. We could never be born again. [00:36:18]
He knows all about it. He was in this world and not in a Phantom body but in a human body like yours and mine. He did hunger. He knew what it was to be thirsty. He knew what it was to weep. He knew what it was to be forsaken of all his friends, his most trusted friends. [00:33:08]
He was tempted of the devil, tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. He knows all about it. Thank God for this. When you therefore pray, pray in his name. He knows. He understands. He is a sympathetic. He's a merciful. He's a faithful high priest. [00:33:08]
He came down from Heaven to Earth and was born as a helpless babe, not only to die for our sins and thereby to redeem us and to conquer the devil, but that he might understand, extend us, but that he might sympathize with us, that he might know all about us. [00:36:18]
Blessed be God who thus assumed his son. Blessed be the son who had that mind in him that though he was in the form of God, he counted it not as a price to be held on to but humbled himself and made himself of no reputation and even went to the death of the cross for us. [00:39:32]
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