Lesson Six
The Preexistence & Incarnation of Christ
“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8) is one of many verses that assume the prexistence of the Son of God. A number of religions that came to be Christian have no problem in calling into question this doctrine, but it is, in fact, necessary. It is necessary for the incarnation as well as for the very deity of Christ. Christ’s preexistence and incarnation both are needed truths to make our salvation possible.
I. The Preexistence of Christ
A. Evidence of the Preexistent Christ
1. Personal Testimony
a. Christ - John 6:32- 38
b. Peter - 1 Pet. 1:19- 20
c. John the Baptist - John 1:27- 30
d. John the Apostle - John 1:1- 2, 18; 1 John 1:1- 2
e. Paul - 1 Cor. 8:6; II Tim. 1:9
2. Prophetic Witness - Psa. 40:6- 8; Heb. 10:5- 10; Micah 5:2.
B. Eternity of the Preexistent Christ
1. The Ever-Present One - John 8:56- 58.
2. The Alpha and Omega - Heb. 13;8
C. Adoration of the Preexistent Christ: Worship & Glory - Heb. 1:4- 6, 13- 14; John 1:14; 17:5- 24.
D. Activity of the Preexistent Christ
1. Creator - John 1:3; Col. 1:16- 18; Heb. 1;2, 10; 2:10.
2. Sustainer - Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3
How important is it for the validity of our faith that Christ was preexistent? Is this an essential for Christianity?
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II. The Incarnation of Christ: Deity in Human Flesh - Phil. 2:5- 9 “form of God” = “the sum of characteristics that make the being that we call ‘God’” The phrase “form of” is actually much stronger than and English word can render it. (ISBE, vol 8, p. 425- 426)
A. Human Parentage
1. Genealogies
2. Born of a Woman
B. Human Development
C. Human Characteristics
1. The Appearance of a Man
2. The Garment of Flesh
D. Human Limitations
1. Physical
2. Mental
E. Human Recognition
1. Jesus of Nazareth
2. The Son of Joseph
3. The Son of Man
Due Next Week:
Read chapter 7: The Deity of Christ.
Answer: What Scripture passages teach the the eternal existence of Christ?