Why Was Jesus Born?
John 3:16 (KJV)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 (KJV)
Jesus had to be born:
- Because of Mankind’s sin.
If Adam and Eve had obeyed God, they could have bridged the gap between mortality and immortality; they had access to the tree of life. They had every advantage, so what went wrong?
They sinned. They disobeyed God. Given the gift of free choice, they choose to disobey. As such, they missed the mark. Jesus came to redeem us from sin.
- Because God wanted to reveal His own character to humanity.
God wanted to reveal His righteous character to Adam and Eve and to all mankind so they could become like Him in mind and spirit (Genesis 1:26-27).
- To remove the sins of humankind through a perfect sacrifice.
The need for a perfect sacrifice meant that Jesus had to be born. The earlier physical sacrifices were imperfect. They could not take away the penalty for sin (Hebrews
10:4-5).
- For mankind to have a Mediator.
He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises (Hebrews 8:6).
- To provide the promised seed of Abraham.
God promised Abraham that through his seed or descendants, all nations of the world would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). Through faith in God and His name, people of all nations have access to His mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God the Father. He does not show favouritism (Acts 10:34; Galatians 3:28-29).
- For God to make His Spirit available to all humankind.
Why was Jesus’ physical birth essential to His followers receiving the Holy Spirit? Because no one is worthy to receive the Holy Spirit, and we must be begotten of God through His Spirit to receive eternal life (Acts 2:38).
- For God to redeem mankind.
The salvation of mankind was dependent on Jesus coming to earth and living a perfect life, then dying as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world: for every disobedience by every person who has ever lived (1 Peter 1:19-20).
As we celebrate this Christmas, let’s remember why Jesus came, knowing that God has made it possible for all people to enter into an intimate relationship with Him.
Read: John 3:5; 1 John 5:1
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 148:1-6; Revelation 18:18-24; Revelation 19:1-10; Nehemiah 7:4-73; Nehemiah 8
