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The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence. 

The incarnation is one of the most profound theological concepts in Christianity - the moment when God robed Himself with humanity and entered our world. This divine act forever changed human history as God stepped into a human suit and walked among us.

What is the Incarnation and Why Does It Matter?

The incarnation refers to when God became flesh through Jesus Christ. As John 1:14 tells us, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This wasn't just a spiritual concept but a physical reality - God literally took on human form.

The purpose of the incarnation goes beyond simply rescuing us from sin. While salvation is central, God also came to restore us to what He always intended us to be. The incarnation affects every area of our lives when we understand it from a practical perspective.

Why Did God Need to Come to Us?

God Came to You Because You Couldn't Get to Him

The first two chapters of Genesis show us what the world looked like before sin entered it. God created everything and declared it "good." When He created woman to complete man, He declared it "very good."

But when Adam and Eve sinned, everything changed:

  • The world became cursed
  • Human nature changed
  • Guilt and sin consciousness entered humanity
  • People began hiding from God

 

Since that moment, humanity has tried two approaches:

  • Running from God (like Adam and Eve hiding)
  • Building our own way to God (like the Tower of Babel)

 

Both approaches fail because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We simply cannot reach God on our own. That's why God came down to us.

Every human being has a void that only God can fill. We try to stuff other things into that void, but nothing else satisfies. God came looking for us because we couldn't get to Him.

How Does Jesus Show Us How to Live?

Jesus Shows You How to Live in Grace and Truth

John 1:14 describes Jesus as being "full of grace and truth." This balance is crucial. Some teachings emphasize grace while minimizing truth, but Scripture presents both as essential.

Grace doesn't just forgive sin - it teaches us "to live soberly and godly in this present age" (Titus 2:12). The Holy Spirit wants to manifest God's glory in our lives, which means dealing with things that dim that glory.

Many Christians find it easier to extend grace to others than to receive it for themselves. But we must remember that salvation doesn't rest on our merits but on Christ's finished work. At the same time, understanding redemption means not minimizing the sin that nailed Jesus to the cross.

When Christians live in both grace and truth, their lives become powerful testimonies. Like the story of the atheist Air Force cadet who came to Christ after watching his Christian friend respond to mockery with consistent kindness and grace - our lives can shine God's light in dark places.

How Does Jesus Restore Our Identity?

Jesus Restores You to Your True Identity

John 1:12 says, "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God." This isn't about being God's children by creation (which applies to everyone) but about becoming God's children through spiritual rebirth.

When God came down, He initiated three key restorations:

  • His image in you is restored - Sin corrupted God's image in humanity, but through Christ and the Holy Spirit's work, we learn to die to ourselves and live for God.

 

  • Your identity in Him is secured - We begin to view our lives from the perspective of being "in Christ" rather than focusing on our works or the devil's attacks. Our identity is rooted in what Christ has done for us.

 

  • Your intimacy with Him is renewed - Adam and Eve walked with God in perfect fellowship before sin. Jesus died to restore that intimate relationship with God.

 

 

Questions to Consider About Your Relationship with God

 

  • Are you living as if Jesus is distant or as if He's right here with you? If you feel distance, remember to draw near to Him.

 

  • Are you trying to live in your own strength or like Jesus did - surrendered and Spirit-filled? Without Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.

 

  • What part of your story needs to be restored by the One who overcame every struggle and sin? Often when things aren't right between us and God, there's one thing in the way.

 

 

Life Application

This week, focus on making Jesus your "one thing." When we keep Jesus as our primary focus, everything else falls into place. Take time to evaluate what might be coming between you and God - whether it's trying to handle life in your own strength, focusing too much on what others are doing, or allowing sin to remain unaddressed.

Ask yourself these questions daily:

  • Am I living today as if Jesus is right here with me?
  • Am I surrendering to the Holy Spirit or trying to control things myself?
  • What part of my life needs restoration that only Jesus can provide?

 

Then take practical steps to draw near to God. This might mean setting aside specific time for prayer, studying Scripture with a focus on who Jesus is, or confessing areas where you've been trying to live in your own strength.

Remember that God came down to you because He loves you. He wants to restore you to your true identity as His child. Will you receive His grace and allow His truth to transform you this week?