Remarks From the Reverend

“’Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.’ So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’ ” (Matthew 1:20-21, 22-23 NKJ)

There are many ideas concerning the birth of Jesus Christ that have been floated around theological circles, and in many churches. However, the historical fact is that the Second Person of the Triune God took on Him the very nature of man (both of body and soul) – John 1:1-5, 14-18.

Why! Why was it that the “Lord of Glory” had to come into the world as a true man without forfeiting His divine nature? Why was the Incarnation necessary? Answering this question will strengthen and give greater meaning to Christmas, and why it’s a time of joy, peace and goodwill toward men.

There is one significant reason we will consider here: it’s because of mankind’s sin nature; our hopeless state and helpless condition make it impossible to save ourselves from the guilt and condemnation of sin, and the eternal torment of hell. How do we know this? From God’s word: here is God’s assessment of mankind’s state and condition: “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one” (see also, Genesis 8:21; Ephesians 2:1-3). Sinners by nature will not seek God, except for a god made after their own imaginations.

Further, it is impossible for sinners to change their status before God by their own efforts (Job 14:4); even keeping the Law of God won’t work (Romans 3:19-20: Isaiah 64:6), or can’t pay to ransom their soul (Psalm 49:7-9) – only one solution for sinners to be saved from the well-deserved penalty for their inborn sin and actual sins. That solution was by God alone in the Person of Jesus Christ; who is true man so as to qualify to make the sacrifice necessary to atone for our sins, and true God so that He might be able to bear in His body and soul the wrath of God against sin and redeem others also.

So we see that the Incarnation was necessary! Won’t you put your trust and faith in the only Savior, Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God (John 1:1-5; 14-18) for your salvation? If you will, then Christmas will take on a whole new and refreshing meaning this year and in the years to come to the glory of God.

Rev. Richard Stetler, of Hartley, is the CEO and founder of Reformation Gospel Ministries. Visit http://www.reformationgospelministries.org for more information.