089. 1TI 3:3-16. MANIFESTATION OF GOD IN THE FLESH
1Ti_3:3-16. Manifestation of God in the Flesh
"God was manifest in the flesh."’971Ti_3:3-16
The heathen often spoke of the descent of their deities, and volumes have been filled with their wonderful achievements. But theirs was a religion of ignorance and superstition:’97they "worshipped they knew not what," and their history is full of absurdity and folly. It is, however, a truth of the highest importance to the Christian, that the God in whom he trusts did descend to visit our world, and was manifested in the flesh.
Let us consider,
I. Some of those various Ways in which God has manifested himself to Man.
It may be necessary to remark, that the blessed God, being a pure Spirit, is invisible to man. And that, as to his essence, "no man hath seen God at any time." If we see God, it follows, therefore, that Jehovah must adopt some medium suited to our state and capacities.
It may be observed,
1. That God has manifested himself to as in his works.
All things are full of him, and bear the marks of his hands, or the impress of his feet. We see him in the light of day, and in the darkness of night. In the rugged mountain, and in the fertile valley. In the expanse of the waters, and in the outstretched canopy of heaven, rolling the planets in their respective spheres; for to the ear of the Christian,
"They are ever singing as they shine,
The hand that made us is divine!"
2. God has manifested himself in his word.
Here he has revealed his character, name, will, and perfections. Here his works and ways are exhibited to man. Here we have a more clear and comprehensive view of Deity than could possibly be given in his works. Here are the words of his mouth; for he spake or presented himself in visions or dreams, to the holy prophets, and they were merely the media through which God declared himself to man.
3. God manifested himself of old, in connection with various symbols.
To Moses in the bush’97in the cloud on Mount Sinai’97in the pillar and cloud in the desert’97in the cloud also in the tabernacle, and in the temple; Exo_3:2; Exo_13:21; Exo_9:18; Exo_40:34. Let us now consider,
II. That manifestation of God specified in the text.
"God was manifest in the flesh." This manifestation was,
1. In the person of his Son.
"The Son hath declared him;" Joh_1:18; see Heb_1:8; Joh_3:16; Gal_4:4. In his Son dwelt all the fulness of the divine glory. This manifestation was.
2. In the fulness of the times.
The period selected and approved of by God, as the fittest for developing the divine glory, spoken of as the last days, &c. This manifestation,
3. Was the most glorious which God ever gave to our world.
Here were not only displayed those perfections which had been exhibited in creation, such as wisdom, power, and goodness; but also purity, justice, mercy, and grace "In Christ dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." This manifestation,
4. Was essential to the redemption of the world.
It appears from revelation, that, in order that all his attributes might harmonize in the salvation of man, it behooved Christ to suffer; and if so, it was essential that ho should become incarnate, and thus be capable of bearing our sins in his own body on the tree; Luk_24:46; 1Pe_2:24. This,
5. Was the most mysterious manifestation.
That Deity should become wrapped in humanity’97the eternal God become an infant of days’97the Sovereign of the universe, the servant of servants’97the Prince of glory, the sacrifice for rebels. Well may human wisdom be lost in the vast profound!’97well may angels wonder and adore!’97well may devils be overwhelmed and tremble!
"’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies!
Who can explore the strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine,
‘Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel-minds inquire no more."
6. This mystery is an important article of Christian belief.
Not that we are to believe as to the mode of the inexplicable parts of the mystery his is impossible; but to believe the fact, as one which God has plainly stated, and which he has evidently placed at the foundation of the Christian structure; it appears to be the very life-blood of Christianity, that Christ is truly the Son of God, and that he is over all, "God blessed for evermore;" Rom_11:5.
Application
1. This subject should teach us humility. What are we that we should suppose ourselves capable of grasping a subject, which seems to have been the greatest effort that ever proceeded from the infinite Jehovah?
2. Let it excite to diligence in meditation, and reading the divine testimony. We may know much more than what we do, by drinking freely of the waters of life. It should,
3. Lead to anticipation. We now see through a glass darkly, but shortly we shall see face to face; 1Co_13:12. Finally, it should fill us with confidence in the power, and dignity, and goodness of our Redeemer. Our Saviour is Jehovah of Hosts, in whom is everlasting strength.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS