The Humanity of Christ: Part 2 - The Virgin Birth, Foundational to Christ's Humanity

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 2 - The Virgin Birth, Foundational To Christ’s Humanity

Any study of the humanity of Christ, must begin with a discussion of the virgin birth.  The entrance of sin, into the realm of humanity, marred and maligned a perfect creation.  Kurt Strassner, in his commentary, Opening Up Genesis, states, “Perfection was replaced with pain (3:16a). A joyful marriage became an unequal partnership (3:16b). Happy cultivation became sweaty toil (3:17). The beautiful garden became a briar patch (3:18). Once-imperishable bodies began slowly to decay and die (3:19). And they were thrust out of their garden home forever (3:22–24).” 

Sin also effected the entire human race.  When Adam sinned, he sinned as the representative of the human race.  Thus, when he chose to sin, he chose on behalf of everyone.  As well, because Adam is the progenitor of the entire human race, his sin nature is inherited by all.

• Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned - Romans 5:12

The sin nature is passed on through the male to his progeny.  

• For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. - Romans 5:19

While a woman has a sin nature, she does not pass it down to the next generation.  This is why the virgin birth of Jesus is foundational.  If Jesus had a sin nature, then He could not have been the spotless sacrifice required to appease God’s wrath against sin.

ENDNOTES:

1. Kurt Strassner, Opening up Genesis, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2009), 36.