Atonement: Born of a Woman

Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope

November 22, 2008
Larry R Evans

Questions for Reflection

1. Christ’s incarnated nature was 50% deity and 50% humanity. True or False? (Col 32:9, Phil 2:7)

2. It was helpful for our understanding but not necessary for the union of the human and the divine natures of Christ to take place for the atonement to be valid. True or False? (Heb 1:3; 4:14-16)

3. The words “You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased” (Lk 3:22) apply to us. True or False?

4. To be genuinely human does not mean that one has to be a sinner. True or False? (Heb 4:15)

5. Christ’s own relationship with His “Father” was reflected in the way He treated and accepted others. True or False? (Mk 5:35-43; 1:41; Lk 17:11-17)

6. Christ’s incarnation serves as a model for a local church’s ministry of reconciliation with God and man. True or False?

Reflective Review

One of the best summaries of the relationship of the incarnation and atonement was written by Dr. Angel Rodriquez in his book, Spanning the Abyss, p. 98.

“It is unquestionable that without the incarnation there would not be atonement. In the mystery of the incarnation God entered or invaded the sphere of His creatures in a unique way. He became permanently immanent among us and accessible to us in dimensions that we cannot fully comprehend. His sinless life made it possible for him to die in the place of sinners. And His divinity, embodied in human flesh, paid for the penalty of sin and released grace and life for repentant sinners. In coming down He revealed not only God’s sacrificial love but also the Lord’s ideal for human beings. Christ provided an example for us to follow as we through the power of the Spirit become more and more like Him.”

The incarnation is not just a theological idea it is a way each church can and must minister. We conclude with the following challenge:

"Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.

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