A Short Catechism on the Incarnation

A Short Catechism on the Incarnation

Q1. What do you believe concerning the incarnation?

A1. I believe that the Son of God became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)

Q2. How can God become human?

A2. It is a mystery how the immortal, eternal, invisible God can become human, but all things are possible with God (1Tim 3:16, Mark 10:27).

Q3. Was there anything special about the birth of Jesus?

A3. Yes. The Holy Spirit caused the virgin Mary to become pregnant with Jesus (Luke 1:30-35).

Q4. Why is the virgin birth important?

A4. If Jesus had been born in the natural way by two human parents, he would have been guilty of the sin of Adam and Eve, just as we are (1Corinthians 15:22). This means that He would not have been the spotless Lamb of God able to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). But, by being born miraculously he was able to unite divinity and humanity together and thus satisfy both the needs of man, by being a sacrifice, and the requirements of God, for perfect obedience.

Q5. Was God lacking something that he needed in the incarnation?

A5. Absolutely not, God is self-sufficient and complete in every way. He has always been the immortal, invisible, only wise God (1Timonty 1:17). However, in the incarnation, he displayed his great love for us, in that while we were still sinners, he was willing to come to earth and die for us (Romans 5:8). Furthermore, by taking on human flesh all things in heaven and on earth are united in Jesus, for he is the head. (Ephesians 1:9-10)

Q6. Why did the Son of God clothe himself on human flesh?

A6. The Son clothed himself in humanity so that we could see the glory, the grace and the truth of God. (John 1:14)

Q7. How is the incarnation an encouragement to you?

A7. The incarnation reminds me that I have a high priest who is like me (Hebrews 2:17). He has been tempted in every way, yet is without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He knows how to intercede for the weaknesses of humanity and he lives to intercede for all his saints (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). The incarnation also reminds me that my flesh along with all the physical world will be resurrected just has Jesus’ flesh was resurrected (Romans 8:11, 1Peter 1:3, Romans 6:9, 1Corinthians 15:52).

Prepared by Rev. J. Scott Roberts on December 24, 2016 for sharing with my children on this evening before the great event of God’s appearing in the flesh. May it be a blessing to you and your family too.

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