It is counter cultural to say things like “the incarnation was not to get close to you” or “you need to repent of your sins” and similar things. The scriptures reveal that the spirit of the world cannot receive the spirit that is from God (John. 14:17). Erroneous statements are ubiquitous as we observe the world around us and specially as postmodernism destroys churches.
This blog is only an echo of a certain discussion that I came across and felt it needs further amplification. My goal is to reiterate the truth in few words, in great hopes that the Lord will separate His elect to embrace the gospel for what it is.
1. All the difference is in – Who is at the center
The incarnation is an undeniable reality in Christian history. Our story is the story of the death, burial and resurrection of the eternal Logos of God (1Corinthians. 15:1ff). If we understand the nature of sin, of redemption, the eternal Godhead and salvation through the triune God, we would hesitate or even refrain from saying Jesus wanted to get “close to us”.
Salvation and redemption, we must understand, are not truths having “man” as the center piece of it’s expression. It is not anthropocentric, but Christocentric. Christ is the ALL in salvation from start to finish. Any attempt to sympathize with man would turn the gospel on it’s heels. This is a cheap imitation of the religions of the world, whether we perceive it or not. The nations or pagans (as we also once were) had their interests, problems and situations as the center for which their gods existed as a cosmic ATM machine. The gods and men were in the business of satisfying each other for mutual benefits. In this pagan context, it is fair to say god wanted to get close to man.
2. What is the clear context of God’s salvation story
We need to understand salvation from the perspective of the mercy and grace of God. I use grace advisedly, as I am aware of the complete misuse of this amazing reality. Grace and mercy go together. The one does not work without the other in salvation.
Mercy and grace, can in-turn be understood only by embracing the fact, that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans. 3:23). Our rebellion and sin had us against the cosmic leader and creator. Our horrendous state lead us to eternal damnation and no hope of salvation. This is the true context in which mercy and grace is elevated beyond human endeavors for salvation, and the cry “who can save me from this body of death!”, has the rightful answer in our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Final thoughts
Once we have understood God-man dynamic in salvation, i.e. God showing the mercy and grace and man in complete rebellion, we understand that it was not God trying to get close to man, but He accomplished it for His eternal glory.
God is in no way obligated or indebted if He would leave us in our state of sin and rebellion. We cannot measure the justice of God with our feeble standards of measurement.
God is in no special need to “get close to man”. He does not have any kind of unattended emotion for company, that needed Him to get close to man. He is right when He judged and condemned us to death (Romans. 2:2). The wages of sin is death (Rom.6:23).
As the scriptures teach, but God who is rich in mercy (Ephesians. 2:4), so that He can be glorified in all His creation, extended mercy and grace, not to the angels, but to the seed of Abraham (Hebrews. 2:6). We needed Him and not Him us. Because our love and desire were scarred with sin, He first loved us, thereby extending mercy and grace. The great mystery of the gospel!
To Him be all glory and honor and praise, in all ages forever and ever, Amen.