Selected Messages Book 3

Real Meaning of the Incarnation

Christ took upon Himself humanity, and laid down his life a sacrifice, that man, by becoming a partaker of the divine nature, might have eternal life. Not only was Christ the Sacrifice but he was also the Priest who offered the sacrifice. “The bread that I will give,” said He, “is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). He was innocent of all guilt. He gave Himself in exchange for the people who had sold themselves to Satan by transgression of God's law—his life for the life of the human family, who thereby became his purchased possession. 3SM 141.1

“Therefore doth my Father love me,” said Christ, “because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” (John 10:17, 18). 3SM 141.2

“The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). To Adam before his fall the Lord said, “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17). “If you transgress my law, death will surely be your punishment.” By disobeying God's command, he forfeited his life. 3SM 141.3

Before his fall Adam was free from the results of the curse. When he was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon him. He was created perfect in thought and in action. But he yielded to sin, and fell from his high and holy estate. 3SM 141.4

In the Likeness of Sinful Flesh—Christ, the second Adam, came in the likeness of sinful flesh. In man's behalf, he became subject to sorrow, to weariness, to hunger, and to thirst. He was subject to temptation, but he yielded not to sin. No taint of sin was upon Him. He declared, “I have kept my Father's commandments [in My earthly life]” (John 15:10). He had infinite power only because he was perfectly obedient to his Father's will. The second Adam stood the test of trial and temptation that he might become the Owner of all humanity.—Manuscript 99, 1903. 3SM 141.5