The Incarnation of God the Son (John 1:14)
-The crisis of Christianity and Christians starts from the lack of knowledge of the Gospel, that is, Jesus Christ. Even though there have been many theologies like liberalism, liberation theology, feminism theology, black theology, political theology, death-God theology, process theology, and so on, these theologies cannot expound correctly who Jesus Christ is and what Jesus Christ has done for us.
-As a result, the number of churches and Christians in developed countries is reduced. For example, an article from the Wall Street Journal shows the present and future of American Christianity. A small church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was established in 1695. It became United Congregational Church in 1916 after combining other church members. They built their church building in 1920s. At that time, their church membership was around 3,000. Recently, their church membership is 300. They decide to sell their church building to the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center for $1 million.
-On Christmas day, we should grab hold of the joyful news of incarnation of God the Son for our salvation. 1.Jesus is the promised Christ
1)Get rid of other Jesus, but hold onto only Jesus Christ
-Jesus is not John the Baptist. Jesus is not Jeremiah. Jesus is not Elijah. Jesus is not one of prophet. Jesus is not Moses (Matt.16:13-14; 17:1-4). However, many believe in Jesus John the Baptist, Jesus Jeremiah, Jesus Elijah, Jesus Moses, or Jesus one prophet. They lost the core of the true Gospel. Why do they know incorrect Gospel? It is because they do not know the true and fundamental problems of human beings (sin, separation from God, slaves of Satan).
Matthew 16;16, Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
-We need Jesus Christ for our salvation. Get rid of incorrect conception about Jesus Christ! Take hold of only Jesus Christ that the Bible explains for our salvation.
2)the one and only way for our salvation
-After the fall of Adam and Eve, God gave them the covenant of salvation. Protoevangelium, the first gospel was promised to Adam and Eve.
Genesis 3:15, And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
-In the Old Testament as well as the New Testament, God reveals that the promised Messiah fulfills God’s salvation. Christ, which means “the anointed one,” shows what Jesus fulfills for our salvation.
①Matthew 1:21, And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
-Jesus is the only Savior to set us free from the law of sin and death (Rom.8:2).
②Matthew 1:23, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
-Jesus is the only one way to be with God (John 14:6; Heb.10:19-20).
③Matthew 12:28, But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.
-Jesus is the only one Victor to overcome Satan (1 John 3:8; Heb.2:14-15).
-Therefore, Jesus as the promised Christ fulfills the office of Priest, Prophet, and King.
2.Restoration of all blessings in Jesus Christ
-After we believe in Jesus Christ, we are saved. We received many blessings like the indwelling, guidance, and the filling of the Holy Spirit, the help of angels, the power of Jesus’ name, citizenship of heaven, and witness of Jesus Christ. Besides of these blessing, we have many blessing.
1)True peace and rest in Jesus Christ
-Because sinners are always under fear, guilty, and shame, they do not have true peace and rest. However, God’s children who have faith in Jesus Christ can enjoy true peace and rest. It is because their spiritual identity is changed.
Matthew 11:28-29, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
2)New imprint, new root, new nature
-Our old-selves died with Christ on the cross (Gal.2:20). Now we live by faith alone (Rom.1:17). In Jesus Christ, we are new creations and have new imprint, root, and nature of the Gospel.
2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
-Therefore, the method to overcome our old imprints, root, and nature is to stay and abide in Jesus Christ. To confess, memorize, and meditate upon the covenant of Jesus Christ are the best way to dwell in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
1)Remember who you are in the Word of God!
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
-You as God’s children and ambassadors for Christ have to proclaim the covenant of Jesus Christ in your field.
Zephaniah 3:17, The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
-You are the beloved children of God. God has true joy and gladness for you. God’s glory comes upon you (Isa.60:1). You are precious children of God.