The Word Made Flesh: Thoughts on the Incarnation from J.C. Ryle

This constant undivided union of two perfect natures in Christ's Person is exactly that which gives infinite value to His mediation, and qualifies Him to be the very Mediator that sinners need. Our Mediator is One that can sympathize with us, because He is very man. And yet, at the same time, He is One who can deal with the Father for us on equal terms, because He is very God. It is the same union which gives infinite value to His righteousness, when imputed to believers -  the righteousness of One Who was [and is] God as well as man. It is the same union which gives infinite value to the atoning blood which He shed for sinners on the cross - the blood of One who was [and is] God as well as man. It is the same union which gives infinite value to His resurrection: when He rose again, as the Head of the body of believers, He rose not as a mere man but as God. Let these things sink deeply into our hearts. The second Adam is far greater than the first Adam was. The first Adam was only man, and so he fell. The second Adam was God as well as man and so He completely conquered.

Let us leave this subject with feelings of deep gratitude and thankfulness. It is full of abounding consolation for all who know Christ by faith, and believe on Him.

J.C. Ryle from Expository Thoughts on the Gospel: St. John, Vol. 1, reprinted in the Free Grace Broadcaster: Incarnation, Issue 234, Winter 2015.  Available for MOBI and EPUB here.

Diane has also posted a quote from Ryle on the mystery of the Incarnation at Out of the Ordinary today.