Hilarious and Somewhat Tragic

"The Digital Story of the Nativity."

The Majesty and Intimacy of the Incarnation

The importance of Jesus' humanity cannot be overestimated, for the issue in the incarnation is soteriological (ie pertains to our salvation). The human problem is the gap between us and God. The gap is, to be sure, ontological.

God is far superior to humans, so much so that he cannot be known by unaided human reason. If he is to be known, God must take initiative to make himself known to humanity.

But the problem is not merely ontological. There also is a spiritual and moral gap between the two, a gap created by humanity's sin. Humans cannot by their own moral effort counter their sin in order to elevate themselves to the level of God. If there is to be fellowship between the two, they have to be united in some other way. This, it is traditionally understood, has been accomplished by the incarnation, in which deity and humanity were united in one person.

If, however, Jesus was not really one of us, humanity has not been united with deity and we cannot be saved.

For the validity of the work accomplished in Christ's death, or at least its applicability to us as human beings, depends upon the reality of his humanity, just as its efficacy depends upon the genuineness of his deity.

Furthermore, Jesus' intercessory ministry depends upon his humanity. If he was truly one of us, experiencing all of the human temptations and trials, then he is able to understand and empathize with us in our struggles as humans.

On the other hand, if he was not human, or only incompletely human, he cannot really intercede as a priest must on behalf of those whom he represents.


-Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 2nd Ed.

Christmas Carols = Bad History, Sometimes Worse Theology