The Mystery of Christ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3
God was “manifested in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16), and this statement directly declares Christ’s deity. Furthermore, His pre-existence is also clearly implied. That which is manifested has been hidden previously. He “was with the Father and was manifested to us” (1 John 1:2). “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” ( John 1:14). Identifying Himself with humanity (apart from sin), Christ took on flesh and blood. This was the first step toward His role as Mediator between God and man. That relationship could only be brought about fully by His death and resurrection. He was also “justified in the Spirit” (1 Timothy 3:16). The Mediator, in order to atone for sin by His sacrifice, must Himself be sinless. The absence of all sin during the whole of His life has been proved in every possible way, His enemies themselves bearing witness. His was the spirit of holiness, of absolute freedom from all taint or defilement. “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). Christ passed unscathed through the fire of fierce temptation. o 3
Vine's Classic Reflections.indd 3
2/7/2012 9:31:00 AM