The Incarnation: Why Did God Become Man?

The concept of the Incarnation, the belief that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology. But why did God choose to take on human form? This article explores the reasons behind the Incarnation from a young-earth creationist perspective, highlighting key biblical teachings and explaining their significance.

Jesus Pre-Existed Creation

The existence of Jesus did not begin with His birth or conception; rather, He pre-existed creation itself. In Genesis 1:1, we read that God created the heavens and the earth. But John 1:1 tells us that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This Word is identified as Jesus, who was both with God and God Himself. Through Him, all things were created.

This understanding of Jesus' pre-existence is essential for comprehending the biblical teaching that "God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16). The plurality within the Godhead—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—allows for a perfect love that has always existed. This love between the Father and Son existed even before creation came into being.

The Book of Life Predated Creation

The Book of Life, mentioned in Revelation, contains the names of all those who have been saved. Remarkably, this book was written from the foundation of the world (Revelation 17:8). This means that even before creation, God had already determined who would be saved and recorded their names in His book.

This notion aligns with the Apostle Paul's teaching in Ephesians 1:4 that God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world. The fact that our names were already written in the Book of Life demonstrates God's foreknowledge and His plan for salvation before sin even entered the world.

The Sin Dilemma and the Incarnation

As human beings, we have fallen short of God's perfect moral standard and deserve punishment for our sins. The consequences of sin are death, both physical and spiritual. However, God, in His love and mercy, provided a solution to this dilemma through the Incarnation.

Jesus, being fully human and fully divine, became the perfect Sacrifice for our sins. He took on human nature so that He could die on our behalf and pay the penalty for our sins. This was a necessary requirement for our salvation because only a human could substitute for humanity, and only a divine being could endure God's infinite wrath.

The Dual Nature of the Redeemer

Jesus' dual nature as both fully human and fully divine is crucial to understanding His role as our Savior. His humanity allowed Him to identify with us, experiencing the same temptations and struggles we face. Yet, His divinity enabled Him to withstand the weight of God's wrath and conquer sin and death.

This dual nature makes Jesus the ideal Mediator between God and humanity. He is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between these two groups because He is both God and man. This understanding is reflected in 1 Timothy 2:5 which states, "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

Jesus' Teachings with Authority

Jesus taught with authority because He possessed divine authority. His teachings were not mere opinions or suggestions but carried the weight of divine truth. This authority extended to all aspects of His teaching, including Creation and the Flood.

By accepting the young-earth creationist perspective, we affirm Jesus' teachings on these topics. Jesus affirmed a straightforward view of Genesis, including a literal Adam and Eve, a recent creation, and a global flood. To deny these biblical truths attributed to Jesus would call into question His authority as a teacher and the reliability of Scripture.

Why This Matters

Understanding why God became man has profound implications for our faith and the Gospel message. The Incarnation reveals God's deep love for humanity, as He willingly took on human form to save us from our sins. It demonstrates His commitment to justice and mercy, providing a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

The Incarnation also affirms the truth and authority of Scripture. By accepting Jesus' teachings on Creation and the Flood, we acknowledge the reliability and divine inspiration of the Bible. This strengthens our confidence in God's Word and its relevance for all areas of life.

Think About It

1. Reflect on the significance of Jesus' pre-existence and His role in creation. How does this impact your understanding of God's character and love?

2. Consider the concept of the Book of Life and the idea that your name was written in it before the foundation of the world. How does this shape your understanding of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge?

3. Contemplate the necessity of Jesus' dual nature as both fully human and fully divine for our salvation. How does this impact your appreciation for His sacrifice on the cross?

4. Reflect on Jesus' teachings with authority, particularly regarding Creation and the Flood. How does this influence your view of Scripture? How does it challenge you to approach these topics with a genuine desire to understand God's truth?

5. Consider how the Incarnation impacts your own life and faith. How does knowing that God became man in Jesus Christ affect your relationship with Him and your understanding of His plan for humanity?