The Incarnation of Christ

Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. The Incarnation of Christ. Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Philippians two, five through seven. Great is the mystery of godliness, Paul exclaimed as he summarized incarnation.

No mere words, even those inspired by God Himself, can completely express what transpired when the Word was made flesh. There are, however, a few clues in this marvelous Philippians passage. The choice of the Greek word morphé to express what Jesus possessed prior to his becoming the God-man is important. This form of God is not the Greek word that one would choose to express the visible or outward shape. That word would be schema.

Morphae emphasizes the character, the being that makes the being what it is. Interestingly, Morphe is also used to tell us that Jesus took on the form of a servant. He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Jesus voided the morphae that he rightfully possessed as God, and received the morphae of a servant or slave, doulos. Then in the likeness of men, he came to be.

We may never fully understand what transpired in the councils of Triune Eternity, but this we can know and believe. Jesus became man for men, and He alone saves us from our sin and grants us eternal life. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us. To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org slash donate.

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