1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels… I. THE FACT OF A DIVINE INCARNATION IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST. The proposition is complex, and we will, in the first instance, reduce it to its parts. 1. The manhood of Messiah. 2. That Messiah always possessed the Divine nature while He has assumed our own. Though there may be none who argue from His Godhead against the reality of His Manhood, however it is to be feared that too many extenuate it, it is most common to argue from His Manhood against His Godhead. (1) Titles of Divinity and Manhood are given to Him. He is the Son of God and the Son of Man. (2) Attributes of infinity and limitation are ascribed to Him. (3) Representations of self-sufficience and dependence are assigned to Him. II. This great mystery of godliness, God the Son taking our nature, is entitled A MANIFESTATION. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God is in the face of Jesus Christ. To know the only true God is to know Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent. As we cannot understand God, who is a Spirit, God is manifest in the flesh. It is the sensible copy, the transparent mirror, by which He will be known. A manifestation is a making clear of that which is difficult and obscure. It is of frequent occurrence when the later Scriptures speak of Christ. "The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us." Now there were works which He was to do as well as revelations to unfold. Nor let us suppose that this manifestation was always unperceived and unappreciated. He was actually recognized. "In the beginning of miracles He manifested forth His glory, and His disciples believed on Him." (R. W. Hamilton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. |
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