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    What Does the Bible Teach About the Incarnation of Christ?

    What Does the Bible Teach About the Incarnation of Christ? The incarnation — God becoming man in Jesus Christ — is the central mystery of Christianity, where the eternal Word took on human flesh.

    Key verse: John 1:14 (KJV)

    The incarnation — God becoming man in Jesus Christ — is the central mystery of Christianity, where the eternal Word took on human flesh.

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    Quick Answer

    The incarnation — God becoming man in Jesus Christ — is the central mystery of Christianity, where the eternal Word took on human flesh.

    "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." — John 1:14 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    John 1:14 declares, 'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.' Philippians 2:6-7 says Christ, '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.' 1 Timothy 3:16 calls it 'the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.' The incarnation was necessary for atonement — only a sinless human could die for human sin, and only God could bear infinite wrath. Hebrews 2:14 explains, 'Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death.' Jesus is fully God and fully man — one person, two natures, united forever.

    Topic Overview

    What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?

    What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.

    Key Scripture References

    "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
    "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."
    "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read John on day 302 of the chronological Bible reading plan

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    Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Teach About the Incarnation of Christ?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    John 1:14 declares, 'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.' Philippians 2:6-7 says Christ, '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.' 1 Timothy 3:16 calls it 'the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.' The incarnation was necessary for atonement — only a sinless human could die for human sin, and only God could bear infinite wrath. Hebrews 2:14 explains, 'Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death.' Jesus is fully God and fully man — one person, two natures, united forever.

    Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.

    Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.