The incarnation of Christ is essential because it affirms His role as both fully God and fully man, enabling Him to mediate between God and humanity.
The incarnation is foundational in Reformed theology as it underscores the dual nature of Christ—divine and human. The sermon highlights that Christ, being 'mighty to save' (Psalm 89:19), took on human form to fulfill the covenant promises made by God. This is evident in passages like Philippians 2, which state that He humbled Himself by taking on the likeness of men. His incarnation enables Him to represent humanity accurately in the atonement, allowing for the union of divine justice and mercy. Moreover, His human experiences through temptation and suffering make Him a sympathetic and capable High Priest for His people, granting them access to God. This doctrine conveys that our salvation is contingent upon the perfect life and sacrificial death of Christ.
Scripture References:
Philippians 2:7, Psalm 89:19, Isaiah 7:14, John 1:14, Philippians 2:6-8, Luke 1:35
Commentary