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Study 05 of 18

Chapter 4: “He Took Part of the Same”

Christ took our fallen human nature to deliver us from sin and death.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Jones delves deeper into the nature of Christ's humanity, asserting that He took the nature of man 'as he is'—meaning our fallen, sinful nature—not as man was before sin entered. He argues that for Jesus to truly reach us and taste death for us, He had to share in the conditions we are in. By partaking of our flesh and blood, Christ identified with us in our bondage to sin and fear of death. This identification was not partial but total. The author emphasizes that by taking our nature, Jesus was able to become 'perfect through sufferings,' thereby becoming the captain of our salvation. This is the 'faith of Jesus'—the power that allows Him to save to the uttermost because He has truly been where we are and has conquered sin in our own nature.

Key points

  • Christ took the nature of man as he is since sin entered, not as he was before.
  • Christ took our flesh and blood to deliver us from the bondage of sin and fear of death.
  • Jesus was made 'perfect through sufferings,' which was necessary for Him to save us.
  • Christ became one with us to reach us where we are—subject to death—and conquer sin.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 2:14
  • John 1:14
  • Hebrews 2:10

From the book

Chapter 4 · Belief 4 · Read this chapter

  • “It is likeness to men as they are in all things, exactly as they are.” (ch. 4)
  • “And that this is likeness to man as he is in his fallen, sinful nature and not as he was in his original, sinless nature is made certain by the word: “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death.”” (ch. 4)
  • ““Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same.”” (ch. 4)

Put it into practice

  • Reflect on the depth of Christ's condescension in taking your nature.
  • Acknowledge that Christ was tempted in all points like you, yet without sin.
  • Trust in the 'faith of Jesus' that conquered sin in your flesh.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What nature did Christ take according to this chapter?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. Why couldn't He take the nature of man before sin?

  3. Comprehension

    3. Why did Jesus take our flesh and blood?

  4. Scripture

    4. What is meant by being made 'perfect through sufferings'?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. How did Jones describe Christ's identification with us?

  6. Contrast

    6. How does Christ's humanity empower His salvation?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What is the 'faith of Jesus' according to the author?

  8. Application

    8. How does knowing Jesus truly took your fallen nature change your struggle with temptation?