Many Men Wanted to Be God… But Only One God Became Man
A Theological Reflection on the Uniqueness of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
Abstract
Throughout human history, political leaders, emperors, and religious figures have sought absolute authority, divine honors, or even worship. From the pharaohs of Egypt to the Roman Caesars, humanity has repeatedly witnessed individuals attempting to elevate themselves to divine status. Yet Christianity presents a radically different narrative. Rather than humanity ascending to deity, the biblical revelation proclaims that God Himself descended into humanity through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This article examines the theological significance of the incarnation, demonstrating that Jesus Christ stands alone in history as the one true God manifested in human flesh for the redemption of mankind.
Introduction
One of the most remarkable distinctions between Christianity and every human-centered religious or political ideology lies in its understanding of God and salvation. Human history records countless individuals who pursued power, immortality, and divine recognition. Their ambitions often resulted in conquest, oppression, and the establishment of earthly kingdoms. Yet all shared one unavoidable limitation: mortality.
Their empires collapsed.
Their monuments decayed.
Their followers died.
Their graves remain occupied.
The Christian gospel offers an entirely different account. Instead of man attempting to become God, Scripture reveals God becoming man.
This doctrine—the Incarnation—is not merely a theological concept but the very foundation of Christian faith.
Humanity's Desire for Divine Status
Since the earliest chapters of Scripture, humanity has demonstrated a desire to attain divine status apart from God.
In Genesis 3:5, the serpent tempted Eve by declaring:
"Ye shall be as gods..."
This temptation introduced one of humanity's oldest ambitions—the pursuit of divinity without submission to the Creator.
History repeatedly illustrates this pattern.
Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs claimed divine sonship.
Roman emperors accepted worship as gods.
Various kings throughout history demanded religious devotion.
Political dictators cultivated cults of personality that approached divine reverence.
Yet despite their claims, none possessed authority over sin, death, or eternal life.
Each eventually succumbed to death.
Each left behind an occupied tomb.
The Biblical Doctrine of the Incarnation
The biblical narrative reverses humanity's aspiration.
Rather than man becoming God, God became man.
The Apostle Paul describes this mystery:
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..."
(1 Timothy 3:16, KJV)
The Incarnation does not represent a created being becoming divine, nor does it suggest that a mere prophet attained deity. Rather, it affirms that the eternal God entered human history by assuming genuine humanity while remaining fully divine.
John opens his Gospel with one of Scripture's clearest Christological declarations:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
(John 1:1, KJV)
He continues:
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..."
(John 1:14, KJV)
These passages affirm both Christ's eternal existence and His incarnation.
The Humility of the Divine King
Unlike earthly rulers who sought exaltation, Jesus demonstrated divine humility.
Paul writes:
"Who, being in the form of God... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant."
(Philippians 2:6–7, KJV)
Earthly kings wear crowns of gold.
Jesus wore a crown of thorns.
Earthly rulers occupy magnificent thrones.
Jesus carried a rugged cross.
Earthly empires are established through military conquest.
Christ established His kingdom through sacrificial love.
His mission was not political domination but redemptive reconciliation.
As Jesus Himself declared:
"For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."
(Luke 9:56, KJV)
The Fullness of Deity in Christ
The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as possessing the fullness of God's nature.
Paul states unequivocally:
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
(Colossians 2:9, KJV)
This declaration leaves little room for interpreting Jesus merely as an exalted prophet or moral teacher.
The entirety of the divine fullness resides in Christ.
Likewise, Jesus proclaimed:
"He that hath seen me hath seen the Father."
(John 14:9, KJV)
These statements underscore the Christian confession that God's self-revelation reaches its fullest expression in Jesus Christ.
The Cross: The Supreme Demonstration of Divine Love
The incarnation was never an end in itself.
God became man for the purpose of redemption.
Jesus declared:
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
(Luke 19:10, KJV)
Isaiah prophesied centuries earlier:
"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities..."
(Isaiah 53:5, KJV)
No emperor could bear humanity's sins.
No philosopher could remove guilt.
No military leader could conquer death.
Only Jesus Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice.
The resurrection validates His identity and mission.
As Paul writes:
"...declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead."
(Romans 1:4, KJV)
Unlike every human ruler, Christ's tomb is empty.
The Exclusivity of Salvation in Christ
The uniqueness of Christ naturally leads to the uniqueness of salvation.
Jesus stated:
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
(John 14:6, KJV)
Peter likewise proclaimed:
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
(Acts 4:12, KJV)
The New Testament presents salvation not as the achievement of human effort but as God's gracious initiative through the incarnate Christ.
Conclusion
History records countless individuals who desired divine honor, absolute authority, and enduring fame. Their empires have faded, their monuments have weathered, and their earthly glory has passed away. None possessed the power to overcome humanity's greatest enemies—sin, death, and eternal separation from God.
The Christian message presents a profoundly different claim. It is not the story of humanity ascending to God, but of God descending to humanity in Jesus Christ. In the incarnation, the eternal Word assumed human nature without ceasing to be God. In His life, Christ revealed the Father's character; in His death, He accomplished redemption; and in His resurrection, He triumphed over death and secured the hope of eternal life for all who believe.
Thus, the central question is not whether history has produced powerful rulers, but whether one recognizes the identity and lordship of Jesus Christ. According to the testimony of Scripture, He alone is the incarnate God, the crucified and risen Savior, and the exclusive mediator between God and humanity.
The Christian response to this revelation is not merely intellectual assent but a life characterized by faith, repentance, love, humility, obedience, and worship. As believers confess Jesus Christ as Lord, they are called to reflect His character and proclaim His gospel to the world.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
(John 14:6, KJV)
Amen. ✝️
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