Incarnation: God Became Flesh

This refers to God, in the person of Jesus, taking on human nature – becoming Immanuel, 'God with us'. As completely both God and man, He laid aside His divinity and took on the limitations of humanity so He could show us how to live a life pleasing to God and to provide salvation for all who believe in Him (Phil 2:6-11).

The Advent of God Incarnate

Jesus was born, becoming 'flesh' and lived among us (Mt 1:20-23; Jn 1:1-14; Rom 1:2-5; 1 Jn 1:1-3, 4:1). His birth, celebrated at Christmas, was the advent (arrival) of God incarnate. Through His incarnation He identified with us, experiencing the trials and tests common to humanity, and so is able to sympathize with us and aid us (Heb 4:15).

Jesus shared our humanity so by His death He might destroy the devil (Heb 2:14; 1 Jn 3:8). He was born as a human but lived in a continual state of dependence and obedience to God; even though tempted He remained sinless and so could redeem us from the guilt of sin, exchanging it for His righteousness (Jn 5:30; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 4:4-5; Heb 2:18, 5:8).

Jesus became a human to restore to us what was forfeited through Adam

Salvation Through the Incarnation

His blood cleanses from all sin and brings us into a right relationship with God (Eph 2:13; Heb 10:19; 1 Jn 1:7). Those who confess Jesus has 'come in the flesh' are of God, but this belief must be personally activated for such a person to be a true Christian. However if a person does not confess that Jesus came in the flesh they are neither a Christian nor to be recognised as a Christian teacher, but are against God (1 Jn 4:2-3).

If Jesus was not a man, then all that occurred in His life and on the cross was in 'appearance' only, and was a delusion. This would mean no blood shed and thus no salvation or resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-22). However, praise God, He did come and die in our place and rise again, victorious. This is the glorious hope of the Christian faith.

Incarnation Versus Reincarnation

Incarnation is not to be confused with reincarnation, which is the belief of some Eastern religions that the soul is reborn in a new and different body after death in a previous life.

Reflection and Application:

Consider how Jesus' identification with humanity brings comfort in your own struggles and temptations.
Reflect on the significance of God becoming man to bridge the gap between the divine and human.
Thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus who laid aside His divinity to provide salvation.
Embrace the truth of the incarnation as central to your Christian faith and hope.