The Great Incarnation

“He was manifested in the flesh”• Jesus Christ existed with God from eternity (John 1:1-3)• Jesus Christ took on human flesh (John 1:14; Phil. 2:5-8)• Jesus Christ was manifested in the flesh:

− To taste death for everyone (Heb. 2:9)− To become a perfect Savior (Heb. 2:9-10)− To destroy the devil and his works (Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8)− To deliver man from the bondage of death (Heb. 2:15)− To identify with us as our High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18; 5:1-10)

The Great Vindication“He was vindicated by the Spirit”

• At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus’ divine identity was established by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him (Matt. 3:16-17; John 1:33)• In the face of denial and rejection, Jesus’ power over evil

spirits was demonstrated by the Holy Spirit working through Him (Matt. 12:24-28)• After being murdered, Jesus was “declared to be the Son

of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4; 8:11)

The Great Exaltation“He was seen by angels”

• Angels were captivated by and closely involved in the life and work of Jesus− Angels foretold of His birth (Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:26)− Angels announced His birth (Luke 2:8-15)− Angels ministered to Him after His temptations (Matt. 4:11)− Angels strengthened Him during His Gethsemane agony (Luke 22:43)− Angels announced His resurrection (Matt. 28:2-7)− Angels declared His second coming (Acts 1:10-11)− Angels behold and are subject to the reigning Lord (1 Pet. 3:22)− Angels are in awe of Him and worship Him in heaven (Rev. 5:8-14)− Angels will accompany Him when He returns (Matt. 25:31)

The Great Proclamation“He was preached among the nations”• The great plan of God & the gospel of Christ is universal

− God foretold that His plan was for “all nations” (Isa. 2:2)− God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Tim. 2:4)− God is ready to accept men from “every nation” (Acts 10:34-35)− God has commissioned preaching to “all nations” (Matt. 28:19)− God saw “the gospel…preached to every creature” (Col. 1:6, 23)

• There is no message greater & more needed than the good news of Jesus Christ!

The Great Salvation“He was believed on in the world”

• The growth of the early church was phenomenal (Acts 6:1, 7; 9:31; 12:24)• Salvation of souls was the very purpose of preaching

(Mark 16:15-16)• “Believed” was not mere mental assent, but “obedience”

to the gospel (Acts 6:7; cf. John 3:16 + Heb. 5:8-9)

The Great Glorification“He was taken up in glory”• The glorification of Christ upon His ascension signifies:

− The accomplishment of the will of God on earth (John 5:36; 17:4)

− The authority made subject to Him over all (Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23)

− The adulation due unto Him as the majestic Lord (Phil. 2:5-11)

The Great Occasion“Eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9)

• Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31• Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 17:30• Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10• Be immersed into Christ – Acts 2:38

− God will forgive all of your sin – Acts 22:16− God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47− God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23

• Faithfully obey the Author of salvation – Hebrews 5:8-9