The Flesh of Christ

2008-05-31 22:15

Christ has come in the flesh. Is his flesh the same as men's flesh?

It is written, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." (1 John 4:1-3).

If Christ's flesh had not been the same as men's flesh, the words, "the man Christ," could not have been written in the Bible. The Bible plainly says, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5).

The Bible says more about it, "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:14-18).

Christ was sent into the world for the salvation of the children of God, who have flesh and blood. And so he had to share in their humanity and to be made like his brothers. If he had not been made like men, he could not have been a high priest who makes atonement for the sins of the people.

The Bible says about it, "Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' And he says in another place, 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." (Hebrews 5:1-7).

If he had had flesh other than the flesh of men--if he had had immortal flesh, this could not have been written: "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." (Hebrews 5:7). It is written, "He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness." (Hebrews 5:2).

Therefore, the Bible clearly says that Jesus who has come in the flesh is the son of David. It is written, "A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1:1). And also, "regarding his Son, 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 by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 1:3-4).

Therefore, the body of Jesus is the same as the body of man. If it had not been the same as the body of man, the suffering of the cross would have been false. It is written, "Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me.'" (Hebrews 10:5). The "body" is the same as the body of man.

If the body of Christ had not been the same as the body of man, he would not have been tempted as men are. However, the Bible says, "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). And also, "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Hebrews 2:10).

Therefore, the Bible says, "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."

Therefore, this is the eternal Word of life: "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." (John 6:63).

And so, there is no salvation for those who receive Jesus according to the flesh, but there is salvation for those who receive Jesus according to the Spirit. It is written, "Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer." (2 Corinthians 5:16).

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17). Amen. Thank you, Lord.