What is the meaning of the Incarnation of Christ?

Answer

Incarnation is a term used by theologians to signify that Jesus, the Son of God, assumed human flesh. This concept is akin to the hypostatic union. The distinction lies in the fact that the hypostatic union elucidates how Jesus’ two natures are united, while the Incarnation specifically confirms His humanity.

The term “incarnation” means “the act of being made flesh.” It originates from the Latin translation of John 1:14, which in English states, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Due to the predominant use of the Latin Vulgate in the church during the Middle Ages, the Latin term became customary.

There is substantial biblical evidence supporting Jesus’ humanity. The Gospels document Jesus’ human necessities such as sleep «But as they sailed, he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. », (Luke 8:23), food (Matthew 4:2; Matthew 21:18), and physical protection (Matthew 2:13-15; John 10:39). Other indications of His humanity include sweating (Luke 22:43-44) and bleeding «but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. », (John 19:34). Jesus also exhibited emotions such as joy «These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. », (John 15:11), sorrow «And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorroAwful and very heavy.” (Matthew 26:37), and anger “And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.” (Mark 3:5). During His life, Jesus referred to Himself as a man “But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.” (John 8:40), and after His resurrection His humanity was still recognized “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.” (Acts 2:22).

But the purpose of the Incarnation was not to taste food or to feel sorrow. The Son of God came in the flesh in order to be the Savior of mankind. First, it was necessary to be born “under the law” “but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” (Galatians 4:4). All of us have failed to fulfill God’s Law. Christ came in the flesh, under the Law, to fulfill the Law on our behalf (Matthew 5:17; Galatians 4:5).

Second, it was necessary for the Savior to shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22).

(Hebrews 10:5). A blood sacrifice, of course, requires a body of flesh and blood. And this was God’s plan for the Incarnation: “When Christ came into the world, he said: ‘Sacrifice and offering [under the Old Covenant] you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me’” «Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, But a body hast thou prepared me: », (Hebrews 10:5). Without the Incarnation, Christ could not really die, and the cross is meaningless.

God did an incredible work in sending His only begotten Son into the world and providing us with a salvation we do not deserve. Praise the Lord for that moment in which “the Word became flesh.” We are now redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” «but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: », (1 Peter 1:19).

Jesus was both human and divine. Please read about the divinity of Jesus here.