The Incarnation of Jesus Christ

from December 2022

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The Incarnation of Jesus Christ

by Samuel Burger

In church history, there have been monumental debates concerning the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Notably, the Council of Nicea, (A.D. 325) the Council of Constantinople, and the Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) was formed to defend the truths of the faith, including the Incarnation of Christ. These events played a decisive role in maintaining this vital doctrine and made it easier to identify heresy as creeds were formed toward this purpose.

Men such as Arius, Apollinaris, Nestorius, and Eutyches made serious errors pertaining to this doctrine. One man by the name of Athanasius defended the doctrine successfully against Arius before and during the Council of Nicea. During those formative years of the church, there was a fight to keep doctrinal orthodoxy. Obviously, this doctrine is indispensable, or they would not defend it so strongly.

The fact of the matter is that Jesus is fully Man and fully God. John vouches for this truth in both of his books. The first chapter of John demonstrates the deity of Christ while the epistle of John stresses the humanity of Christ. John likely wrote the epistle in response to Docetic Gnosticism (regarding the human Jesus as a ghost) and Cerinthian Gnosticism (This “Christ Spirit” indwelt the man Jesus at his baptism and left him before his crucifixion) that threatened the originality of the faith. In fact, Ignatius, an early church father, fought against Docetism which was invading the church well before the convening of the councils. Thus, history indicates the gospel of Jesus Christ has always been attacked which further validates its importance.

However, I want to state why this doctrine should keep the same level of importance as it did during those historic debates over the identity of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1. It means God has not left us. “And the Word became 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” (John 1:1). 2. It means God understands us. ”For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

3. It gives us an example of how we should live in

this world. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). 4. It provided atonement for our sins. “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

When you celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas season, appreciate the victories garnered in history over this doctrine. Understand the immense value of this truth, gain a better appreciation of the finished work of Christ, and the church’s vigorous stand against error to maintain the originality of the faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3). ______________

Sources:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/theologians/athanasius.html https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-1-john www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Ignatius-of-Antioch

About The Author

Samuel Burger is the pastor of Chestuee Worship Center in Calhoun, TN. He holds a Master of Arts in Ministry from Piedmont Divinity School in Winston-Salem, NC. He is happily married to Danyelle for six years.

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