Catechism Question 26
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The Root Of Jesus’ Conception
The Root Of Jesus’ Conception
Question #26: How did christ, being Son of God, become man?
Answer: Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul; being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin.
Main Proposition:
Statement of Doctrine or Application (SILVER BULLET)
The main thing:
The Miracle we need to focus on is the Holy Spirit and Jesus being born without sin
Intro:
Statement of proposition
A lot of people when talking about the immaculate conception, the birth of Jesus to a Virgin. They almost hyper focus on the born of a virgin part. They hyper focus on Mary and not what the root of the true miracle is. The root of the miraculous birth of Jesus is the work of the Holy Spirit. Mary is a Godly woman, but she did not do anything extra than what any other woman is called to do today. We need to focus on the root of Jesus becoming man and that is the fact that he was:
Born Sinless
Work of the Holy Spirit
God’s Grace
Last week we talked in depth about how Jesus is the redeemer of God’s elect, the characteristics that are required to repair the severed relationship between God and his elect.
We talked about how Jesus did not need a mediator with The Father because his relationship was never broken.
This morning we are going to talk about the root of Christ being born, the work of the Holy Spirit and the vessel in which God used to deliver us our Lord and Savior.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Verse 18:
“Betrothed”; Was a binding as marriage
A divorce was necessary to terminate a betrothal; regarded legally as man and wife
Verse 19:
Stoning was the legal prescription for this sort of adultery.
“Being a just man” meaning that he had a true belief in God.
Instead of stoning Jospeh wanted to send her away which would legally divorce her in Jewish law.
Verse 20:
Here we see one of the few angelic visitations in the NT.
Here the angel is telling Joseph that he is to take Mary into his own home.
Verse 22:
Matthew points out the OT prophecies that are fulfilled.
Matthew does a good job at pointing at the Ot throughout this book. He used OT references around 60 times, more than any other NT writer, except for Paul in Romans.
He wants to show the merit at which he is talking.
You believed it when the OT prophets said it and here it is right in front of your eyes
Other texts that support
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
Jesus was flesh and blood just like us. He endured pain, suffering just like any of us.
What was the ultimate purpose of the incarnation? Jesus came to earth to die. By dying, He was able to conquer death in His resurrection. By conquering death, he rendered Satan powerless against all who are saved.
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.
God’s ultimate purpose and plan for the universe is to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ.
Christ knows the reason he came into this world. This was the plan from the very beginning
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Why does this matter?
This is incredibly important because here we have God himself in human form. Born of a woman in the Holy Spirit, sinless. The entire reason for this birth, this miracle is that Jesus would one day be the savior of the World. That he would sacrifice his life for ones that did not deserve to be saved.
3 Main Points about the birth of Christ:
The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Image of God incarnate
We see God’s goodness
Main Point #1: The Work Of The Holy Spirit
Main Point #1: The Work Of The Holy Spirit
Statement
Most Christians readily and warmly respond to the description of Jesus as the son of God because of the humanity of Jesus, but also we can grasp onto the concept of “son”. We often call God “Father” which can give us some understanding of authority, power, guarding of children etc.
The name Holy Spirit gives off a cold or remote image.
Hard to grasp
We look at the Holy spirit as distant or impersonal compared to God the Father and Jesus the Son.
We often speak of the virgin birth as the great miracle by which Jesus came into the world. Jesus’ birth was a natural and normal birth, but it was the work by the Holy Spirit without a human father that was supernatural.
Prove
From the beginning of Jesus’ life the spirit of God’s glory overshadowed him.
Mary was with a child through the Holy Spirit
She conceived because the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and the power of the Most High “came upon her”
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
When the Holy Spirit “comes” on an individual, he clothes himself with that person’s life, conforming it to his own purposes.
Throughout scripture we see the action of the Holy Spirit at work.
In the book of Acts we see these “signs or miracles” often done by the Holy Spirit through the Apostles
These signs and wonders point to the power of God
These marvels would be useless unless they point to God and his truth
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Prophecies of the birth of Christ
When the Spirit comes to mark the start of the Messianic era, not merely a barren woman, but a virgin woman, who is with a child.
The distinction between barren and virgin birth
The one who led the people through the wilderness as a pillar of cloud and fire is the Holy Spirit. (Exodus reference)
Throughout the entirety of Jesus’ life the Holy Spirit hovered over the true Son of God throughout his temptations in the wilderness and for the whole of his life and ministry.
Not just for the conception of his birth, but his whole life
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness
The function of the Holy Spirit was to maintain the holiness, the sinlessness, of the one who was to be born.
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
While Mary is involved in the virgin conception she is just passive in it, because it is the direct result of the action of the Holy Spirit.
Compared to the Catholic Church’s point of view that gives Mary an active contribution in providing salvation for humanity.
Throughout the OT and NT we can see how the Holy Spirit works. It is active in every believer’s life.
Because Jesus was subject to the pains and temptations of this life, his human nature needed to be acted upon by the Holy Spirit in order to be sanctified.
Flowers in texts
4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
30 When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.
Illustrations:
We have to remember that the Holy Spirit is active in every believer’s life.
Seek the Spirit, Expect the Spirit
Apply or Confront:
We have to get out of the mindset of Mary being the driver of the conception of Jesus.
Main Point #2: The Image of God Incarnate
Main Point #2: The Image of God Incarnate
Statement
The birth of Jesus, being the savior of the Lord was always the only plan that God had in place. There was never a “oh man I really messed up” moment, I need to rethink this whole savior of the world promise.
God’s plan of redemption for the world was for him to come down as human and fulfill the necessary requirements to repair the severed relationship that was created when Adam first sinned.
Prove
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
The Gospels present Him as God in human flesh
The Colossian Church looked at Christ as one of the many lesser descending spirits being spread out by God
Paul reveals Jesus’ true identity by viewing Him in relation to four things: God, the universe, the unseen world and the church.
Verse 15:
He is the image of the invisible God
Greek word: Eikon meaning image or likeness
Although man is made in God’s image we are not perfect images of God
We are not made in God’s image morally because God is holy and we are sinful.
Unlike man, Jesus Christ is the perfect, absolutely accurate image of God
Verse 16-17:
Jesus is God, He holds all things together, He sustains the world, maintains the delicate balance necessary to life’s existence
Verse 18:
The Church is a living organism and Christ is the head of the church.
Scripture describe it as a family, kingdom, flock, bride and a body
He controls every part of it and gives it life and direction
Verse 19:
Paul is telling the Colossians that they do not need angels to help them get saved. That it is only faith in Christ alone that they are complete.
“all the fulness of deity”: All the divine powers and attributes was not spread out among created beings, but completely dwelt in Christ alone
Verse 20:
God’s ultimate plan for the universe is to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
While Christ as God was uncreated and eternal, John meaning that “the word became flesh” emphasizes Christ taking on humanity
This is important because it signifies that the infinite became finite, eternal became conformed to time and the invisible became visible.
Last week we talked about the humility of Christ and what he not only gave up, but brought upon himself
When Christ became man he forfeited Godly attributes
All the fulness of Christ becomes available to believers.
Flowers in texts
3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Illustrations:
I honestly believe that in this world today we are losing the image of Christ throughout this Christmas season.
People are replacing Jesus Christ the Son of God with Santa Clause.
People are more focused on getting their kids excited about Santa, more excited about getting their pictures with Santa, getting their kids more excited about their kids walking down the stairs on Christmas morning and seeing gifts than the true reason behind Christmas.
Sarah and I have family members that haven’t even mentioned the birth of our Lord and Savior.
They get upset when you mention Jesus Christ during this time of the year.
Why is that? the root of their problems: SIN.
Apply or Confront:
In 2023 we are losing the image of Christ during the Christmas season.
Main Point #3: We see God’s Grace
Main Point #3: We see God’s Grace
Statement
Another aspect that we should focus on in the birth of Christ is God’s grace. I think that is one of the most passover aspects out of the birth of Christ. We know that it is a miracle, we know that Christ was born in order to save God’s elect, we know that the Holy Spirit was active in the birth of Christ, but also throughout Christ’s life, but all of that is possible because of the grace that God has given us.
We’ve said it before: We deserve death, but God gave us the savior of the world instead.
That in itself shows us God’s grace and love
Prove
God’s grace is not only an attitude of favor on God’s part, but it is also an active power, enabling people to do the works of God.
Its more of that Vertical and Horizontal relationship that we’ve talked about
In the birth of Christ it could be easy to glance by and not really notice it, but if we think about it, reflect on what we read and study the scripture behind it we can see that it is only by God’s grace and patience that we have been given the gift of salvation through faith in the Son of God.
This is grace directly for true believer’s of God (God’s elect). Christ did not come to save everybody. There is a notion that most everybody goes to Heaven, Hell is saved for the really bad people like Jeffrey Dahmer and Hitler go to hell.
By God’s grace and patience salvation is extended to God’s true elect.
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Through faith in what? Faith in Jesus Christ
God has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything that we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us Jesus Christ before the beginning of time.
“Salvation is from sin and by love” - JMAC
The rebellion and rejection is on man’s side.
To be saved by grace is to be raised from the dead for no other reason than the mercy and love of God at work in Christ
Grace established God’s sovereign freedom to save whom he chooses and opposes salvation by the merit of man’s works
Salvation is for God’s glory by putting on display his mercy, love and grace for those who are spiritually dead because of their sinfulness
Salvation is for a believer’s blessing, but it is even more for the purpose of eternally glorifying God for giving his believers His endless grace and kindness.
Christ was born into this world for salvation to God’s elect.
10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
God’s love and grace for people apart from what they deserve.
God’s highest display was Christ’s death on the cross
9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
God gives us his grace in our eternal election. So his grace cannot possibly be based on works, but it gives us the power to do good works.
It is God’s grace that gives us the abilities we need to preach the gospel, evangelize, do his will
Eternal life would not be possible without God’s grace because it is God’s grace that gave us Jesus Christ.
to be saved by grace is to be raised from the death of sin for no other reason than the mercy and love of God at work in Christ
Flowers in texts
6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Illustrations
Man driving down the street and carelessly hit and killed a child. Let’s say that person was arrested, tried, fined and imprisoned. After he paid the fine, served the sentence he would be free and guiltless before the law in regards to that crime.
But paying that penalty before the law would do nothing to restore the life of the child or alleviate the grief of the parents.
The only way a relationship between the parents and this guy could be restored would be for the parents to offer forgiveness. No matter how much the man might want to do so, he could not produce reconciliation from his side. Only the one offended can offer forgiveness, and only forgiveness can bring reconciliation.
Apply or Confront
*Confront culture of False Teaching
Application Points
Pray about the true meaning of Christ coming to this world
He came to save God’s elect.
Reflect on seeing God’s grace in the birth of Jesus Christ
Because of God’s grace we are able to enjoy salvation.