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How Can God Become Man Without Ceasing to Be God?

The Mystery of the Incarnation


The Incarnation, the doctrine that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, is one of the most profound and central mysteries of the Christian faith. This doctrine asserts that in Jesus of Nazareth, the eternal Son of God took on human flesh, becoming fully man while remaining fully God. This truth is encapsulated in John 1:14, which declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."


To grasp the significance of the Incarnation, one must first understand the nature of God as revealed in Scripture. God is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth (Psalm 90:2; Malachi 3:6). He is the Creator of all things, transcendent over His creation, and yet immanent, sustaining all things by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3). The Incarnation does not imply a change in God's essential nature but rather the addition of a human nature to the eternal Son of God.


The doctrine of the Incarnation is rooted in the biblical witness, which consistently affirms both the full divinity and full humanity of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 2:9, Paul writes, "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." This verse affirms that Jesus is not merely a representation or manifestation of God but that He is God in His fullness. The same truth is echoed in Hebrews 1:3, which describes the Son as "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature."


Yet, the mystery remains: How can the infinite, eternal God take on a finite, temporal human nature without ceasing to be God? This question has been the subject of theological reflection and debate throughout the history of the Church. The answer lies in the doctrine of the hypostatic union, which teaches that in the one person of Jesus Christ, there are two distinct natures—divine and human—united without confusion, change, division, or separation.



The Hypostatic Union: Two Natures in One Person


The term "hypostatic union" comes from the Greek word "hypostasis," meaning "person" or "subsistence." The doctrine of the hypostatic union affirms that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures, divine and human. These two natures are united in such a way that neither nature is diminished or altered by the other. Instead, they coexist in the one person of Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man.


This doctrine is essential for understanding the Incarnation because it preserves the integrity of both the divine and human natures of Christ. In the Incarnation, the eternal Son of God did not cease to be God or diminish His divinity in any way. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:6-7, "Though he was in the form of God, [he] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." The "emptying" described here does not mean that Christ gave up His divine nature or attributes but that He took on a human nature and humbled Himself by becoming a servant.


The Council of Chalcedon (451 C.E.) articulated the doctrine of the hypostatic union in its definition of faith, which has been accepted by the majority of Christian denominations. The Chalcedonian Definition states that Christ is "acknowledged in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son."


This definition safeguards the biblical teaching that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. His divine nature means that He possesses all the attributes of God—omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, immutability, and eternality. His human nature means that He possesses all the attributes of humanity—body, soul, emotions, will, and intellect. Yet, these two natures are united in the one person of Jesus Christ, who acts as the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).



The Necessity of the Incarnation for Salvation


The doctrine of the Incarnation is not merely a theological abstraction; it is central to the Christian understanding of salvation. The necessity of the Incarnation is rooted in the nature of humanity's problem—sin—and the nature of God's solution—redemption through the God-man, Jesus Christ.


Humanity's problem is sin, which separates people from God and brings about spiritual death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Because sin is an offense against an infinite and holy God, only an infinite and holy sacrifice could atone for it. No mere human could pay the penalty for sin because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, the solution to humanity's problem required a mediator who was both fully God and fully man.


As fully God, Jesus Christ is able to offer a sacrifice of infinite worth that satisfies the justice of God. His divine nature ensures that His sacrifice has the power to atone for the sins of all humanity. As fully man, Jesus is able to represent humanity, standing in the place of sinners and bearing the punishment that they deserve. His human nature ensures that His sacrifice is applicable to human beings, fulfilling the requirement of a representative who is like those for whom He dies.


Hebrews 2:17-18 underscores the necessity of Christ's humanity for His role as High Priest: "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Jesus' humanity enables Him to sympathize with human weakness and to offer a sacrifice that is both effective and sufficient.


The Incarnation also fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and promises concerning the Messiah. The prophets foretold that the Messiah would be both divine and human. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This verse presents the Messiah as a child born—a human being—yet also as "Mighty God," affirming His divinity.


The fulfillment of these prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ confirms that the Incarnation was not an afterthought or a contingency plan but the central event in God's redemptive history. Galatians 4:4-5 declares, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." The timing of the Incarnation was part of God's sovereign plan to redeem humanity and restore creation.



The Incarnation and the Atonement


The Incarnation is inseparable from the doctrine of the atonement—the belief that Christ's death on the cross was a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The atonement is only effective because the one who died was both fully God and fully man. If Jesus were not fully God, His death would not have the infinite value necessary to atone for the sins of the world. If He were not fully man, He could not serve as a true substitute for humanity.


In Romans 3:25-26, Paul explains the purpose of the atonement: "God put [Christ] forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." The atonement demonstrates both the justice and mercy of God—justice in that sin is punished, and mercy in that God Himself bears the penalty.


The concept of substitution is central to the atonement. Isaiah 53:4-5 prophesies the suffering of the Messiah in these terms: "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." This passage reveals that the Messiah would bear the sins of His people, taking their place and enduring the punishment they deserve.


The New Testament confirms that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this prophecy. In 1 Peter 2:24, Peter writes, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." The Incarnation made it possible for Jesus to bear the sins of humanity in His own body, offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.


The union of the divine and human natures in Christ also ensures that the atonement is effective for all who believe. As fully God, Christ's sacrifice has infinite value, sufficient to atone for the sins of all who come to Him in faith. As fully man, Christ's sacrifice is applicable to human beings, fulfilling the requirement of a representative who is like those for whom He dies.



The Incarnation and the Resurrection


The Incarnation is also closely connected to the doctrine of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the vindication of His divine identity and the confirmation of the efficacy of His atoning work. Without the resurrection, the Incarnation would be incomplete, for it is in the resurrection that Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the devil is fully realized.


Paul emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:14-17: "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." The resurrection is the proof that Jesus is who He claimed to be—the Son of God and the Savior of the world.


The resurrection also confirms the full humanity of Jesus. In rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrated that He had truly taken on human nature, including a body that could experience death. Yet, in His resurrection, Jesus also revealed that His humanity had been glorified, transformed into a new, imperishable state. This glorified humanity is the firstfruits of the resurrection that all believers will experience at the end of the age (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).


The Incarnation, therefore, is not only about God becoming man but also about the redemption and transformation of humanity. In Jesus Christ, God has entered into the human condition, experienced its suffering, and triumphed over its greatest enemy—death. Through the Incarnation, death has been defeated, and the hope of eternal life has been secured for all who believe in Jesus.



The Incarnation and the Christian Life


The doctrine of the Incarnation has profound implications for the Christian life. Because Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, He is the perfect model for how believers are to live. In His humanity, Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience to the will of God, a life of selfless love, and a commitment to justice and mercy. As Christians seek to follow Him, they are called to emulate His example in their own lives.


In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul exhorts believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." The Incarnation reveals the humility of Christ, who, though fully God, took on the form of a servant and obeyed the will of the Father even to the point of death. Christians are called to follow this example of humility and obedience, putting the needs of others before their own and submitting to God's will in all things.


The Incarnation also calls Christians to a life of holiness. Because Jesus took on human nature, He sanctified it, making it possible for believers to live in holiness and righteousness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter writes, "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" The holiness of Christ, demonstrated in His perfect obedience and sinless life, is the standard for all believers. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are enabled to live lives that reflect the character of Christ.


Moreover, the Incarnation provides the basis for Christian hope. Because Jesus Christ became man, died, and rose again, believers have the assurance of eternal life. As Paul writes in Romans 8:29-30, "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." The Incarnation guarantees that those who are united with Christ by faith will be conformed to His image and share in His glory.


Finally, the Incarnation calls Christians to a life of worship. Because Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, He is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. The Incarnation reveals the depth of God's love for humanity and the lengths to which He was willing to go to redeem His people. As believers contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation, they are moved to worship and adore the one who is both their Creator and their Redeemer.



Conclusion: The Unfathomable Depths of the Incarnation


The doctrine of the Incarnation is a mystery that defies full comprehension. How can the infinite God take on finite human nature without ceasing to be God? How can the eternal Son of God enter into time and space, experience suffering and death, and yet remain the source of all life? These questions lead believers to the very heart of the Christian faith, where they encounter the unfathomable depths of God's love and grace.


The Incarnation is not merely a theological concept; it is the foundation of the gospel and the basis for all Christian hope. Through the Incarnation, God has made Himself known, provided a perfect sacrifice for sin, triumphed over death, and secured the redemption of His people. As believers meditate on this profound truth, they are drawn into deeper worship, greater obedience, and a more fervent hope in the promise of eternal life.



About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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