Apostles and disciples testified of the reality of the Eternal Word’s existence in the flesh. They heard Him and saw Him with their own eyes; they looked upon Him and touched Him with their hands (1 John 1:1). Their experience with the One called Immanuel was not a casual, passing glance, but rather, a thorough personal observation and investigation. This Person, the Word of life, the personification of eternal life, is the man Jesus, whom the apostles and prophets have declared in the gospel.

            Christ Jesus is “in the form of God” (Philippians 2:6). This particular Greek word for “form” means the essential nature or actual essence. For example, the essential form of man is humanity. Jesus’ inseparably, unchangeable being is deity. His actual essence and nature is “of God.” That is why He “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” Jesus did not have to snatch at or to clutch at divine equality because He is God the Son. He is the “I AM” (John 8:58).

            The Word, who possesses “the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14), came “in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). The outward appearance and manner of Jesus was fashioned “as a man” (2:8). Partaking of flesh and blood He identified with mankind. Born of woman Jesus had a physical lineage that fulfilled Messianic prophecies. Yet, Isaiah prophesied that His appearance would not make him desirable, but His body would be wounded, bruised and beaten for the sins and iniquities of others (Isaiah 53:2, 5). Deity came in the flesh in order to become man’s Savior and Mediator, Advocate and High Priest.