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Ordinary Time

Key Doctrines

Incarnation

The doctrine that the eternal Son of God took on human nature — “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14) — being fully God and fully man in one person.

Not To Be Confused With

The Incarnation is the union of God and man in Christ; it is not God merely appearing as a man (docetism) nor a man becoming God. The how is defined at Chalcedon: two natures, one person.

From Latin in carne, “in flesh.” The Word became flesh without ceasing to be God — “remaining what he was, he became what he was not.” It is the hinge of the gospel: only one who is fully God and fully human can reconcile God and humanity.

Related Terms

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Related Word Studies

Incarnation — Definition | Theologos Media