The Advent
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The Advent:
The Advent:
What is the advent?
The word advent means- the arrival of someone or something important. It is especially used of the event of the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
What is incarnation?
Incarnation- in flesh, God taking on human form.
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
What was Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth?
Reconciliation- a term indicating a repaired relationship between persons or groups who were formerly at enmity with each other.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
How were we enemies of God?
Through sin, sin separated man from God (Gen 3:22-24)
Through disobedience (Col. 1:21)
2. Salvation- to rescue or deliver from opposition, out of peril, or from an adversary. Hebrew word is “yosha” also meaning to broaden or enlarge, to create space in the community for life and conduct. Jesus himself said, I’ve come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly. Here Jesus is saying I come that you might live....to give life (Jesus), to have life (us). Jesus came to deliver us from opposition, to save us out of peril, and to save us from an adversary (3 adversaries). God saves us out of opposition and peril and places us into a situation of recovered prosperity and well-being. This is what God did time and time again in the Old Testament with the Israelites.
In the New Testament, God, Jesus Christ (God Incarnate) came to save. In his earthly ministry, he delivered people from diseases and demonic possession, bringing them to a condition of restored wholeness. After Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension Jesus now deals with the illness of sin. He saves us from our sins, He saves us from damnation, he brings into a place of recover (restored and right relationship with God through the Spirit), a place of prosperity (spiritual growth/becoming children of God), and well-being.
Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
Jesus chose to come in human form so that he could experience what we experience, yet He was without sin.
Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
We have a high priest (Jesus) who can identify with our human weaknesses and struggles because he was tempted as we were yet without sin. He experienced temptation yet did not sin. Because He overcame weakness and sin, he is qualified to help us in our weakness and in the midst of our temptations.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
3. Peace (shalom) - the absence of conflict. It is more than just the absence of conflict, but it also entails wholeness and or well-being.
Remember that before salvation we were enemies of God. We were against God, we were not living according to the purpose in which God created us. We striving against God in our minds and with our wicked works. But then Jesus came to bring us peace.
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
When you have vertical peace, horizontal peace is also possible. Vertical peace is peace with God, horizontal peace is peace with mankind.
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.