Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/215736
The Word Became Flesh DOUG GROOTHUIS, PHD PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY us that the Word human being ate, got tired, Holy Scripture teaches1:1-5, 14). This isbecame one of us—ameans. Listen towho Apostle Paul: and got thirsty (John what the Incarnation the "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Phil. 2:5-7). This flaming truth is at the center of Christian conviction. Christians should believe it, but many have not considered how a finite man could be eternal God. Yet we know that Jesus, a man, claimed deity. Jesus once declared that an invalid's sins were forgiven, and then healed him to demonstrate divine authority. Those around him were rightfully startled, since they knew that only God can forgive sins (Mark 2:1-11). By His words and actions, therefore, Jesus claimed to be God. But we should consider the logic of the Incarnation, since some believe this idea is a logical contradiction. I once talked with a man who held this view and, thus, rejected Christianity. Let us think this through a bit. While some Christians are content to call the Incarnation a mystery of paradox, we need to dig deeper. God calls us to have a reason for our faith (1 Pet. 3:15), and what is more important than explaining the Incarnation of our Lord? "...AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD... THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND MADE HIS DWELLING AMONG US." (JOHN 1:1,14) The best way to approach this doctrine is to say that Jesus was truly human and truly divine. He was not only human and only divine: That would be a contradiction. There is no contradiction, however, because Jesus had two natures: divine and human. These do not conflict. We have both a body and a mind that make up who we are. They interact and are different things. My mind thinks; my body runs. My weight can be measured, but not my thoughts. Similarly, one can be a two countries (dual citizenship). Moreover, was fitting for DECEMBER citizen of to take on a human nature, because humansitare made in the the Word divine image (Gen. 1:26). 09 As a philosopher, I have much more to say. But I hope you are comforted and challenged to know that you do not have to surrender your mind to believe in the singular event of Christmas: the Incarnation. 14 DENVER SEMINARY CHRISTMAS 2013