Chapter 6: The Incarnation

Define Theotokos and explain the significance of this term.

Theotokos means "Mother of God" in Greek. Since Mary is a human and gave birth to Jesus, Son of God, it would signify that Jesus is also human and divine.

What does it mean that we are able to share in the divine life of God?

Because Jesus shared in our lives, we are able to share in God's life. Sharing in the divine life of God means we are drawn into communion with the Trinity. We are united w/ God through our Baptism, the Eucharistic feast, and our participation in other Sacraments of the Church. We are invited to cooperate with God's plan for our lives and to participate actively in our salvation. During our life after death, we will experience the Beatific Vision, enjoying God's presence and glory forever.

What is the significance of the Incarnation for us?

It is central to our faith, because it shows that God continues to be in a relationship with us, and because it fulfills the covenant. Which that the Son of God actually came in the flesh to save us from sin and death is an important mark of our Christian faith. The Incarnation brought humanity and God closer together than we would ever otherwise be able to be. Because of the Incarnation, we are able to see God's human face, to renew our relationship with God, and even to share in his divine nature.

What is the Incarnation?

Jesus Christ, Son of God, became human to accomplish our salvation.

Describe two unique roles that Jesus, as God Made Flesh, fulfills.

Jesus is the Revealer and the Mediator. Jesus reveals God the Father to us. Because he is the Divine Son of the Father, Jesus is truly the human face of God among us. Second, Jesus is the one and only mediator between humanity and God. He is like a bridge that connects earth with Heaven, making God accessible to us even though we had lost God's friendship through sin.

What is Mary's role in the Incarnation?

Mary's role is that she is the mother or God.

Jesus comes to fulfill, not to replace, the Law God gave to the Israelites. What does this mean?

When Jesus fulfilled the Law, it means he perfected the law, revealed its ultimate meaning, and redeemed any sins people committed against it.