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Born of a Woman
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophecy in Genesis 3:15, given after the sin of Adam and Eve, declares that the Messiah would be born of a woman, highlighting a unique aspect of His origin as the Seed of the woman. This is fulfilled as recorded by the apostle Paul in Galatians 4:4, stating that when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman. This shared human trait underscores that, like us, Jesus Christ was a human being, emphasizing the profound reality of God becoming flesh to dwell among us.
Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennThe pivotal question arises: Was Jesus Christ born under the law, bound to keep all the Old Covenant rules and regulations? Galatians 4:4 states, "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." Some interpret this to mean that Jesus was under the law from His birth, suggesting He was duty-bound to follow practices that are not required of us. However, a careful examination reveals a deeper meaning. The Greek word translated as "born" in this verse is a form of ginomai, meaning to cause to be or to come into being, emphasizing His humanity rather than a strict legal obligation. The King James Version renders it as "made of a woman, made under the law," highlighting that Jesus was physically born through human birth to the virgin Mary. God emphasizes His Son's humanity in this verse, showing that like all other men, Jesus was flesh and blood. Hebrews 10:5 confirms this: "Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: 'Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.'" Additionally, the original Greek text lacks the definite article before "law," indicating Paul speaks of law in general, not specifically the law of God. This suggests Jesus was subject to the same human conditions as any other man, further underscoring His humanity. The deeper meaning of Galatians 4:4 points to the divine miracle of His conception by the Holy Spirit through Mary, and another miracle by which God the Father placed Him under the law at His crucifixion, not at His birth. Jesus Christ was never under the condemnation of the law except at the time of His crucifixion, when God the Father laid the burden of the world's sins upon Him. Having led a perfect life, the Old Covenant rules designed to remind Israel of their sins and need for a Savior did not apply to Him. Thus, the notion that He was born under the law to keep its rituals does not hold, and His example remains one we are to follow in all respects.
Christ Coming in the Flesh
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of Jesus Christ being born of a woman is central to understanding His role as the Redeemer of humanity. Galatians 4:4-5 emphasizes that when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons. This clearly establishes His humanity, showing that He was subject to the same law as any other human, thus qualifying Him to pay for human sin. Genesis 3:14-15, at the very foundation of the world, prophesies a Savior who would come as the Seed of the woman, indicating that He would be born of a woman, yet powerful and righteous enough to overcome satan and redeem mankind. This early promise underscores His human origin as essential to His victory over sin. Matthew 1:23, quoting Isaiah 7:14, further confirms this truth, declaring that a virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, named Immanuel, meaning God with us. This prophecy highlights His dual nature—born of a woman as a real child, yet also the Son of God, embodying both human and divine origins to save us from our sins. Luke 1:26-35 recounts the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary, affirming that she would conceive in her womb and bring forth a Son named Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. This passage reinforces that He was born as a human being, just like any other, from a human mother, yet His divine origin as the Son of God made Him the perfect One to redeem us. Matthew 1:18-21 also details His birth, noting that Mary was found with child by the Holy Spirit, and the angel instructed Joseph to name Him Jesus, for He would save His people from their sins. This narrative solidifies the reality of His human birth through a woman, orchestrated by divine intervention, to fulfill His purpose as Savior.
To Do Your Will, O God!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe prophecies concerning the Messiah's birth were fulfilled as foretold. Isaiah 7:14 and Galatians 4:4 declared that He would be born of a woman without the involvement of a human father, and this was accomplished. This fulfillment stands as a cornerstone in the series of events and prophecies that Jesus Christ completed, marking the perfection of His work on earth. Through His life, death, and ultimate sacrifice, He finished the mission entrusted to Him by the Father, ensuring the path to reconciliation and atonement for humanity.