The Necessity of the Incarnation for Salvation & the Perseverance of the Saints.

God is light. When Jesus came to earth, He shone as a bright contrast to the dark world of sin and sadness. Divinity had to take on humanity to fulfill God's purposes. Incarnation was appropriate, necessary, and is a non-negotiable doctrine of Christianity.

The phrase "many sons" in Hebrews 2:10 shows that Christ's work was successful. God's plan for the salvation of mankind was perfect.

"God is the origin of the human nature of both Jesus and believers, and both are conceived by the same Holy Spirit in their spiritual natures too." Hebrews 2:11 says believers are regarded as brethren of Christ. This should evoke a deep humility in us, that Christ is not ashamed to share with us. This should also mean that there are no poor relationships in His family. We treat each other as God's offspring. God's loyal love is immutable, and we must love whom He loves.

Hebrews 2:12-13 quotes several Old Testament references to identify Christ with humanity. In Psalm 22:22, Christ is the sermon and to be praised for His work for and in believers. The prophet Isaiah showed God's faithfulness as he trusted Him in difficulty, just as Christ would show perfect perseverance (Isaiah 8:17-18).

Hebrews 2:14-18 list several fruits of the Incarnation, marked by the words "so that."

Eliminating Fear of Death (Hebrews 2:14-16)

Jesus came to earth so that we would not fear death or live under the power of what causes it (sin). It's important to remember the fundamentals when one is facing foes. These are spiritual truths we must know, embrace, and apply to persevere. Satan wants us to live in defeat; instead, we must be governed by doctrine.

The phrase "flesh and blood" emphasizes the need for Christ to participate in genuine humanity to pay the penalty of sin. "Sin had been committed in the realm of human life, and its penalty was imposed in the same realm. Since God could not die, he sent the Son to become man that he might pay the penalty of death for men." Christ's work rendered the effects of sin inoperative and powerless; it brought sin to nothing. There is no more grounds of accusation for the believer; the penalty has been paid. (See Colossians 1:13 and 1 Corinthians 15.)

Verse 16 says Christ gives help to "the descendants of Abraham," meaning both physical Hebrews and spiritual descendants (believers). The word "help" means to take hold in order to save one's life. Christ rescues us from sin's power and sting.

A Qualified High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18)

To have any hope of having our sin atoned for, we need a qualified high priest who is primarily approved by God (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Hebrews tells us Jesus is both a merciful and faithful priest. In making "propitiation" (expiation or atonement), He was capable of taking God's wrath on the cross.

Verse 18 says that Jesus lived a life of suffering; therefore, He is able to help us. Nobody knows suffering like Jesus, our brother, who comes to our aid moment by moment in His love. Meditate on and rejoice in that truth today!

Application Points

• Does the reality that Christ calls us His brethren provoke deep humility in you?
• Do you love the brethren of Christ as God does?
• As the body of Christ is being tested worldwide, what can you do to maintain unity?
• Is your life more characterized by defeat, or does it showcase the power of God over sin?
• Are you suffering? Nobody knows suffering like Jesus, our brother, who comes to our aid moment by moment in His love. Meditate on and rejoice in that truth today!
• Praise Christ for His atoning work on our behalf!

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

• Colossians 1:15-20 – Another Incarnation passage
• Matthew 16:17, 1 Corinthians 15:50, Galatians 1:16, Ephesians 6:12 – Uses of the phrase "flesh and blood"
• Matthew 14:21, Mark 8:23, Luke 14:4 – Uses of the word "help"

A Hymn to Encourage: "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"

Good Christian men, rejoice,
With heart and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
News! News! Jesus Christ is born today;
Ox and ass before him bow,
And he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice,
With heart and soul and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss:
Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened Heaven's door,
And man is blessed evermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!

Good Christian men, rejoice,
With heart and soul, and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all
To gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!