Emmanuel: Understanding the Divine Concept of God Incarnate

God Incarnate

The concept of God incarnate refers to the belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on a human form while still retaining His divine nature. This is a foundational doctrine of Christianity and is supported by biblical teachings.

Jesus' Nature as Both Man and God

When we say that Jesus is God incarnate, we mean that He took on a fleshly, bodily form while still being fully divine. In other words, Jesus became fully human but did not stop being deity. This is a mystery of Christianity and a test of orthodoxy. Jesus has two distinct natures, divine and human. The Bible clearly teaches the deity of Christ through various ways: the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, His eternal existence, His miraculous virgin birth, His authority to forgive sins, His acceptance of worship, His ability to predict the future, and His resurrection from the dead.

The Incarnation

The Incarnation refers to Jesus becoming fully human by taking on human flesh. He was conceived in the womb and born like any other human being. Jesus experienced normal aging, had physical needs and emotions, learned, died a physical death, and was resurrected with a physical body. However, unlike all other humans, Jesus lived a completely sinless life.

The Position Change

When Jesus took on human form, His nature did not change but His position did. In His original nature as God in spirit form, He humbled Himself by laying aside His glory and privileges. It is important to note that God cannot stop being God because He is immutable and infinite. If Jesus stopped being fully God for even a split second, all life would cease to exist.

Why This Matters

Understanding the concept of God incarnate is crucial for Christians because it speaks to the central message of the gospel. Jesus' incarnation allows Him to bridge the gap between humanity and divinity, making salvation possible. By becoming fully human, Jesus was able to live a sinless life and offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His death and resurrection provide the means for reconciliation with God and eternal life.

Think About It

The idea of God becoming a human being may seem difficult to comprehend. How can someone be both fully human and fully divine at the same time? It is important to remember that some aspects of our faith are beyond our full understanding. However, this does not mean that we cannot have confidence in the truth of God's Word. The mystery of the Incarnation invites us to reflect on the greatness of God and His love for us. It also reminds us that God is willing to meet us where we are, in our humanity, in order to redeem us.

In conclusion, the concept of God incarnate is a fundamental belief in Christianity. Jesus Christ, while remaining fully God, took on human form to save humanity from sin and restore our relationship with God. This doctrine is supported by biblical teachings and is central to the message of the gospel. While it may be challenging to fully comprehend, we can trust in the truth of God's Word and embrace the mystery of the Incarnation as a demonstration of God's love and grace towards us.