the dual nature of jesus christ
"... Christ Jesus... who as to His human nature was a descendant of David,
and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power
to be the Son of God..." Romans 1:1-4
1. Why is it important that Jesus was fully man?
a. In order to identify with the human condition. Not that Jesus didn't understand... because, in fact, He is omniscient and knows all things. Yet, He came for our sake... so that we are assured that He does understand, since He experienced the same things we do. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." - Hebrews 4:15 (See also Hebrews 2:18, 7:26, Luke 4:2).
b. In order to show His desire (as a man) to do the will of God. Jesus needed to be our example. For instance, at the cross, Jesus was tempted to not go through with it. But as He depended on the Holy Spirit's strength and God's Word, He willingly obeyed God's will. "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." - Matthew 26:38-40 (See also Luke 4:4, 8, 12).
c. In order to perfectly obey the Old Testament Law and become the "pure spotless lamb." We know that God is pure and holy, but we needed to see and know that Jesus the man could be pure and holy. "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed... but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." - 1 Peter 1:18-19 (See also Hebrews 7:26, Isaiah 53:9, John 8:46, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5, Matthew 5:17).
d. In order to reveal God's great love for us by
"exposing" Himself in terms that we can understand.
"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen
His glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the Father, full of
grace and truth." -John 1:14. (See also John 1:18,3:16, Romans
8:32).
2. Why is it important that Jesus was and is fully God?
a. In order to express the true nature of God. What we see in Jesus and what we see that Jesus did is a perfect expression of what God, the Father is like. His love and justice are perfect illustrations of the nature of God. Jesus said, "Believe me when I say that I am in the father and the father is in me." -John 14:11 (See also John 1:14, 18, 6:27, 8:28, 10:30).
b. In order to clarify that He did not inherit a sin-nature from Adam. While it was possible for Jesus to sin since He was in the world and had a human-nature through Mary, He did not inherit a sin-nature from Adam since He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." -Matthew 1:20 (See also Matthew 1:23, Romans 1:1-4).
c. In order to live a sinless life. Jesus came to earth so that He might become the perfect atoning sacrifice that is sufficient to take away all the sins of the world. His divine nature gave Him the power to overcome every sin. "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." -2 Cor. 5:21 (See also 1 John 3:5).
d. In order to overcome the power of physical death. By His divine nature, Jesus overcame the power of death itself. The grave could not hold Jesus down. "Christ Jesus... has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." -2 Timothy 1:10. ) See also Matthew 12:40, 26:61).
e. In order to magnify His uniqueness in the world. Jesus was not just a good teacher or a prophet or a nice man. Jesus was the only begotten Son of God. No other person in all of history compares to Jesus, because He was not just a person... He was God Incarnate. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation... God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him." - Colossians 1:15, 19. (See also John 1:18, 3:16, 18, 1 John 4:9).
Pastor Marcus Elmer, Summer, 2007