Understanding
The Bible |
BY THE AUTHOR
Dr. Clarence E. Mason, Jr.
Philadelphia College of Bible
1970
THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST (Chafer,
Vol. 5, pp. 39-52)
Chafer, p. 42: "No human mind can ever grasp the significance of the
occurrence and consequence of the incarnation. That a Person of the Godhead
should become one of the human family--the sphere of His own creation--with
a view to remaining in that form, though glorified, throughout eternity,
must continue an insoluble mystery to the creatures of this world."
Old Testament anticipation
Types
Acacia wood - Christ's humanity (Ex. 26:15; Isa. 53:2) Veil of tabernacle
- Christ's body (Ex. 26:31; Mt. 26:26; 27:50; Heb. 10:20).
Prophecies
Isa. 7:14; 9:6; 11:1; Mic. 5:2-3
The birth
Must have His own identified human spirit, soul, and body. Otherwise
there would ever be the question regarding the genuineness and permanency
of His humanity. Therefore the process must be more than possessing
or appropriating some existing human being. This would be simply an
indwelling. (Chafer, pp. 47-50; Bancroft, pp. 50-53)
The fact of the virgin birth
(Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:26-35)
The belief arose from the fact. Commonly it is urged that His virgin
birth proves His deity. The opposite is true. How else could God unite
Himself with the human family but uniquely? His deity demands and gives
credence to His virgin birth.
The meaning of the fact
The historical reality of His person
His deity (Jn. 1:1)
His sinlessness--the
hope of humanity (Jn. 18:38*; Mt. 27:19,24)
(*Note: Dr. Mason's original notes listed Jn. 8:48 as the above
reference, which has been corrected by the editor)
"Mason's Notes"
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