We just finished celebrating Christmas which reminds us of the coming of Jesus. We reflect on this time because it was God's rescue plan to redeem us for our sins. As Christians, we believe that Jesus was God in the flesh, which means He was 100% God and 100% Man. Theologians call this a hyper-static union of two natures in one Person.
Many books have been written to study the deity of Christ, but not many written on the humanity of Christ. Bruce Ware, who wrote an amazing book on the Trinity, has given us a theological look at the humanity of Christ called, The Man Christ Jesus.
This book is a simple and readable book as Ware goes into deep theological truths regarding the humanity of Christ based on the teachings of Scripture. This doctrine is important because without the affirmation of the humanity of Jesus, we would have no hope of a Messiah. While Jesus was also fully God, he was fully man. As a man Jesus was empowered by the Spirit, growing in his faith, and perfectly resisting temptation where Adam did not do in the Garden of Eden. Ware beautifully goes through these truths in a way that a new believer can understand.
One teaching about the humanity of Christ Ware talks about that needs to be addressed is why Jesus died as a man. In this chapter Ware tell us why the TNIV (Today's New International Version, which now the NIV 2011), and any gender neutral translations, are not helping affirm the humanity of Christ. Old Testament Prophecy speaks of an heir, an eternal Son who would come down to rescue His people. Also to be the faithful representative that Adam could not, the Savior had to be a man. No where do you feel that Ware was not downgrading women, but explaining why Jesus had to be a man.
This was a great book and one that should be read after Ware's classic book on the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A must read for every pastor and theologian.
Thanks Crossway for letting me review this book.
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