First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts
July 2, 2000 Anno Domini
Matt 1:18-25
The Virgin Birth of the Savior
- The birth of Jesus is unique, his name is unique, his people respond with faith and obedience.
The birth of Jesus Christ is unique, so you might believe he is the Savior of the world.
Christ's mother Mary was a virgin girl, not a married woman.
Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary.
Christ's birth was announced by God hundreds of years before as a sign, and confirmed as the birth date was imminent.
The name of Jesus Christ is unique, so you might understand he is the savior of the world.
You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins, v. 21, 25.
And they shall call His name Immanuel, ... "God with us." v. 23.
Leviticus 26:11-12 I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.
Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
The person and ministry of Christ reconcile us with God by faith and bring us into his family as adopted children.
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the 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 the adoption as sons.
Isaiah 53:9 And they made His grave with the wicked -- But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Revelation 3:12 "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
The revelation of God in Christ demands our faith and obedience to receive the benefits of his promises.
Joseph and Mary believed and obeyed and were blessed by God.
God reveals Himself so we might obey Him for His glory and for our good.
Faith and obedience show that you understand the Gospel, that you believe God's word and trust him.