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152
S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 5
and see in Him the brightness of His glory, the express image of His
person (
The Signs of the Times, July 30, 1896
).
(
Hebrews 2:14
;
3:3
.) The Wonderful Condescension of
God
—The doctrine of the incarnation of Christ in human flesh
is a mystery, “even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and
from generations.” It is the great and profound mystery of godliness.
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” Christ took upon
Himself human nature, a nature inferior to His heavenly nature.
Nothing so shows the wonderful condescension of God as this....
Christ did not make-believe take human nature; He did verily
take it. He did in reality possess human nature. “As the children are
partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of
the same.” He was the Son of Mary; He was of the seed of David
according to human descent. He is declared to be a man, even the
man Christ Jesus. “This man,” writes Paul, “was counted worthy of
more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house
hath more honor than the house” (
The Review and Herald, April 5,
1906
).
(See
EGW comment on Romans 5:12-19
;
1 Timothy 2:5
;
He-
brews 1:1-3
.) The Human Characteristics of Jesus
—Jesus was
the Commander of heaven, one equal with God, and yet He conde-
scended to lay aside His kingly crown, His royal robe, and clothed
His divinity with humanity. The incarnation of Christ in human flesh
[1131]
is a mystery. He could have come to earth as one with a remark-
able appearance, unlike the sons of men. His countenance could
have shone with glory, and His form could have been of remarkable
grace. He could have presented such an appearance as to charm the
beholder; but this was not according to the plan devised in the courts
of God. He was to bear the characteristics of the human family,
and the Jewish race. In all respects the Son of God was to wear the
same features as did other human beings. He was not to have such
beauty of person as would make Him singular among men. He was
to manifest no wonderful charms by which to attract attention to
Himself. He came as a representative of the human family before
heaven and earth. He was to stand as man’s substitute and surety.
He was to live the life of humanity in such a way as to contradict
the assertion that Satan had made that humanity was his everlasting