The Incarnation of Christ is a complex subject that is difficult to fully grasp. Many believe in God’s divinity but reject His person. However, John records the incarnation of Jesus, saying, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” One of the professors, Stephen J. Wellum, states, “To think rightly about the incarnation, we must also reflect on the Son’s relation to the Father and the Spirit.” (Pg. 153, The Person of Christ, An Introduction). This truth requires careful study and understanding.
Key Aspects of Christ's Incarnation in Hebrews
Moving on to key aspects of Christ’s incarnation highlighted in the Book of Hebrews, we find several important points.
His Worship
In Hebrews 1:6, the Lord speaks through the writer, saying, “...Let all God’s angels worship him.” Although there is no specific mention, originally, the incarnation of the Son was not for worship by the angels; they worship God, and Jesus, as the Son of God, is worthy to be worshipped alongside God the Father. He made the angels His messengers for Him. Not only does this passage speak about the worship of Christ, but also at His incarnate birth; several passages in the Bible present the angels, the shepherds, and the magi worshipping Christ.
His Atonement
In Hebrews 9:26, Christ's incarnation made it possible for Him to suffer and die as a living sacrifice once and for all to reconcile man and God. In the Old Testament, repeated atonement processes were insufficient to reconcile man to God. Christ's atonement was a complete medium of reconciliation
His Propitiation
The sacrifices of animals were not enough to appease God’s wrath. The book of Hebrews explains that another purpose of Christ's incarnation was to satisfy God’s wrath against sin. It states, “...to make propitiation for the sins of people.” (Hebrews 2:17). This propitiation for sins turned God’s wrath or righteous anger away.
His Prayer and Supplications
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears....” (Hebrews 5:7). The way Jesus prayed and the demonstrations He gave exemplify the need for an incarnate God who relates to humans through suffering. This is relevant because those who do not experience suffering might distance themselves from God or neglect communicating with Him. Christ was incarnated to learn obedience and submit to God's will. He showed humanity the kind of prayer and supplication needed to connect with God. Luke 22:42 reflects Jesus' obedience and submission as an incarnate human.
His Solidarity and Humanity
In verse 18 of chapter 2, we find another reason why Christ became incarnate. Ever since humanity's fall, people have continued to suffer and be tempted. Suffering is painful, and no one wishes for it. Christ descended, took on a human body, and suffered to comfort His people. In doing so, we gain confidence that after suffering, there is hope and life. He set an example to help those who are being tempted. This assures believers that suffering has an end, and this is made possible only through His humanity.
A Source of Eternal Salvation
Salvation would have been impossible without Jesus’ incarnation. Hebrews tells us that Christ learned obedience through suffering, as stated in verse 7. This is to encourage believers that suffering produces obedience to God. Jesus is the source of eternal salvation through his suffering, which made Him perfect.
His Glorification of Many
Christ took on human form and suffered to bring many sons to glory and to make them perfect through salvation. There was a need to complete the imperfect man, and the man Christ fulfilled this purpose through sanctification. Glorification cannot take place without sanctification and justification. Not even the prophets or the angels could restore man to glory as they believed with animal sacrifices. Therefore, the man Jesus in His divinity did the needful.
Conclusion About Him
While it's difficult to comprehend God's incarnation,
it requires faith and the help of the Holy Spirit to fully understand this
mystery. The book of Hebrews explicitly highlights Christ's incarnation. For
humanity to be saved, there needs to be a source of salvation who is glorified.
There needs to be a means of propitiation and atonement for sins. There needs
to be someone to die and pray and supplicate on behalf of humanity. God
incarnate, descending to dwell among us, fulfilled this practical need.
Amen
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