Whe Jesus came to this Earth...
When Jesus came to this earth He came as God the divine King and Creator of this world. But did He also have a human nature?
Lets see what the Bible says about this topic.
Here is the Greek word that the original translators got the word flesh from (in the KJV Bible):
G4561 (the number code for this Greek word in the Strongs Greek and Hebrew Dictionairy)
sarx (this is how the Greek word is pronounced)
(below is the English definition)
flesh (as stripped of the skin), that is, (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred, or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such): - carnal (-ly, + -ly minded), flesh ([-ly]).
If you research this Greek word
Romans 8:2-9
8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
If we put the full Greek meaning of the word that flesh is derived from we get this: ...God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh (human being with a human nature), and for sin condemned sin in the flesh. Jesus proved that is was possible to live life with a human nature and still be without sin. This is how he can succor or comfort us when we are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) He couldn’t have been “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15) , if He did not have a human nature.
Please don’t misunderstand me I am not saying that Jesus Is not God or that He is not divine.
“But although Christ's divine glory was for a time veiled and eclipsed by His assuming humanity, yet He did not cease to be God when He became man. The human did not take the place of the divine, nor the divine of the human. This is the mystery of godliness. The two expressions "human" and "divine" were, in Christ, closely and inseparably one, and yet they had a distinct individuality. His deity could not be lost while He stood faithful and true to His loyalty.” by E.G.White (ST May 10, 1899).
Other Bible texts that use the same Greek word for the Flesh, and describe Jesus Coming to this earth are:
Romans 1:3 “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh” (or according to the human nature.)
Hebrews 2:14 “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh (same Greek word) and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren,” (that is made like us) “that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour (succour means comfort or relieve) them that are tempted.”
Jesus forsook all, even, for a time, His divine glory, to take on the garb of humanity and to give us salvation! How grateful should we be! Jesus forsook all for us, what have we forsaken for Him?
In summary:
1. In the new testament the word flesh can also mean human nature.
2. God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh.
3. Therefore when Jesus came to this earth He had a fallen human nature.
4. But this does not mean that He ceased to be God or that He lost his divinity.
For more information on this topic please read the following quoted from writings of Mrs E.G.White
If you have any Questions don’t hesitate to email at: questions@echothevoiceofgod.com