- About Jesus -
Jesus answered:
"I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
THE INCARNATION
Christians
frequently speak about the doctrine of the Incarnation.
Well, what does this doctrine refer to, and why do Christians
consider it so important?
The
term incarnation is of Latin origin, and it means
"becoming in flesh." While the word incarnation is not contained
within Scripture, the doctrine of the Incarnation certainly does
convey scriptural truth. The Christian doctrine of the Incarnation
teaches
that the Eternal Word, the second person of the Trinity, without
diminishing His deity took upon Himself a fully human nature.
Specifically, this doctrine implies that a full and undiminished divine
nature as well as a full and perfect human nature were united in the
historical person of Jesus of Nazareth.
According to the Bible, Jesus Christ is God the Son, in human flesh.
Since
Jesus Christ is the center of Christian doctrine and truth,
His identity is of surpassing importance. It follows, therefore, that
the doctrine of the Incarnation which reveals His identity is the
foundation on which all of Christian doctrine is built. This is clearly
seen when you take some time to analyze the central tenets of the
historic Christian faith.
For example, God's existence: without the Incarnation, talking about
or knowing God personally is mere speculation. The Trinity: the other
two members of the Trinity (Father and Holy Spirit) are only really
understood and appreciated in light of the person and nature of Christ.
Atonement: only Jesus Christ, who is the God-man, is able to reconcile
a holy God with sinful humanity. Resurrection: a bodily resurrection
which conquers death is only possible for the God-man.
Justification: our state before God rests totally in our faith
(personal trust) in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The
doctrine of the Incarnation touches and affects virtually every
single
area of Christian theology. Needless to say, if you are going to change
or distort the identity of Christ, you are also going to destroy the
very essence of the Christian faith.