Amazing Love: The Hallmark of the Incarnation
TEXT: Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 2: 11, 12; Luke 2: 11;
WORD STUDY: The word “incarnation” , just like the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible. However, it is an accurate theological expression that captures valid Biblical concepts. In the case of“incarnation,” the English word is from a Latin root that means “the embodiment of deity or spirit in earthly form; an endowment of bodily human nature and form; the act of being personified; and especially the union of divinity with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ.” The word “incarnation” accurately describes what God did when He came to earth as the man Christ Jesus – He wasGOD PERSONIFIED in flesh! Jesus wasn’t just part of God, a second God, a junior God, a third part of God, another God, or a subordinate God – HE IS GOD!
SEVEN IMPLICATIONS OF HIS
INCARNATION AS KING
1. JESUS HAD TO BE BORN BY A WOMAN- Isaiah 9: 6,7
What will surprise many believers is to learn that the birth of Jesus was not necessarily for his atoning sacrifice. He was born a King- the legal heir to David’s throne that was destroyed during the Babylonian inversion of Jerusalem around the 5th Century BC.
2. HE HAD TO BE BORN A HUMAN KING- Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:4
Most people still contend with the truth that Jesus was both God and Man while here on earth. For Him to possess the Throne of David, He needed to be the True son of David. The incarnation was the only legitimate way to accomplish this.
3. HE HAD TO BE BORN IN THE CITY OF DAVID- Luke 2:10
As the bona-fide heir to King David’s throne he needed to be born in the City of David- the very place where David was born. This was divinely arranged by God.
4. HE HAD TO FULFILL THE MESSIANIC PROPHECIES AS THE DELIVERER OF HIS PEOPLE – Luke 1:67-75
To the unbelieving Jews, the Messiah (Deliverer) still remains their long awaited King, but to us gentiles; He is now our Redeemer, who will eventually become the king of gentiles ruling from Jerusalem. Today, no Dynasty exists in Israel and there will be none till Christ ascends the throne of David in Jerusalem during the millennium. This time, the Jews will realise that the man they rejected 2000 yrs ago was actually the Messiah they have waiting for.
5. HE HAD TO BE RAISED IN ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW OF MOSES- Luke 2:22-32
As an heir to a physical throne, He needed to be raised in the same way Kings should be raised in Israel. Observing and obeying the laws of Moses. Jesus as God had to subject Himself to these laws as a necessity to becoming the King of His people. No king disobeys the laws of the land and expects His subjects to obey Him.
6. HE HAD TO GROW UP AS A NORMAL HUMAN AND WAS FACED WITH THE SAME WEAKNESSES AS MEN ARE- Luke 2:40,48-52; 1 John 4:1-3
The Gnostics disagrees with the humanity of Jesus. This heresy still persists today. To deny Jesus humanity is to deny His right to the throne of David and His soon-coming earthly reign. Christ had to be a normal human in order to have right to God’s Kingdom.
7. HE HAD TO ATONE FOR THE SINS OF HIS PEOPLE AND THAT OF THE REST OF THE WORLD- ATONEMNET WAS THE ONLY WAY THROUGH WHICH BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES CAN INHERIT AND INHABIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD- Romans 1:16-17; 2 Cor. 5:15-17
The focus has always been on the Cross, but the Cross was not the main reason for Christ incarnation, the Kingdom was. No wonder Jesus spoke extensively about the kingdom than His atonement. The atonement ensures both Jews and gentiles inherit God’s kingdom only by His Grace and not by anyone’s merit. The law was summarised on the Cross, so that the Cross could become the only way to the Kingdom.
CONCLUSION
God’s kingdom was the message of Jesus. Christ lived and died for it. He was condemned because of his claim to the Throne of David. He died because of what He came for-His kingdom. Pilate indicated that as well, “This is the King of the Jews”. We must therefore understand that Christmas is not just the birth of an ordinary person, but that of The King who will eventually and physically rule the entire world. At the moment many people are rushing into the Kingdom! Are you in the Kingdom?
Written by Dr. Godwin Ude
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