Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– David Jeremiah
Identifies True Believers
If you believe Jesus came in the flesh, you must have the Holy Spirit because the Apostle John wrote that it is “by this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2). However, “every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already” (1 John 4:3). If you don’t believe Jesus was born in the flesh by a virgin birth, John is saying you are an Antichrist. These are harsh words but not my opinion–it’s the Word of God, which is always true.
Confessing It
We must confess Christ to be saved. More than that, we must confess “that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” and “is from God” and is God (John 1:1-2). John was an eyewitness to Jesus’ humanity and glory. He wrote, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). John saw Jesus’ glory and also saw the God-Man in the flesh. He became mortal so that we might receive immortality.
To Destroy the Enemy
Jesus came to reconcile us back to God or, as some Scriptures say, give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). “Therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:14-15). Now that death is defeated, we await His return, when there will be no more sorrow, pain, or suffering and, yes, the end of death (Revelation 21:4).
A Sympathetic High Priest
Jesus holds three offices: King, Lord, and Savior. He is our High Priest, and what better High Priest than one who knows about our own physical and mental suffering. The author of Hebrews wrote, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). This means He knows what we’re going through and that He completely understands our suffering.
Conclusion
Truly, Jesus came in the flesh to bring us immortality. This eternal life came at the expense of His own life. To know if you’re a true believer, you must realize that Jesus did come in the flesh, which you should confess to Him and to others; that He came to destroy the enemy and death; and that, as our High Priest, He understands what it’s like for us. This is why Jesus had to come and be born in the flesh.
