The Incarnation of Jesus Christ
Philippians 2:5-7
1.The Meaning of “Incarnate”
In carnis (Latin) In- “into” carn – “flesh”
Jesus: The fullness of God in human form (Colossians 1:19)
TWO NATURES IN ONE PERSON
Divine Nature: Eternally existing as the 2nd person of the Trinity
The fullness of God in all His perfections
Human Nature: Designed in the image of God at creation
Uncorrupted humanity: “it was very good” (Gen 1:27, 31)
2. The Method of The Incarnation
Man DID NOT (cannot) become GOD God DID NOT (will not) elevate man to DIVINITY
INSTEAD: GOD BECAME HUMAN (Philippians 2:4-7)
The 2nd person of the Trinity accepted a change in status
Without surrendering any of His Divine attributes (Fully God)
Embracing the limitations of human form (Fully Human)
3. The Mission of The Incarnation
TO REDEEM HUMANITY THROUGH JESUS
He manifested an unblemished human nature
He lived a righteous and sinless human life
He became our atoning sacrifice in death
He demonstrated God’s love for humanity
He identifies with our suffering
He intercedes for us before the throne
4. WHEN WE ARE BORN-AGAIN THE IMAGE OF GOD IS RENEWED IN US
We are given a heart of flesh: (our potential is restored) Ezekiel 36:26
The Holy Spirit (God) comes to live within us John 14:16-17
In Christ we become righteous before God 2 Corinthians 5:21
The Spirit of God begins to conform us to be like Jesus Romans 8:29
When He appears, WE WILL BE LIKE HIM! 1 John 3:2