As I start this second article with Jesus as the subject, allow me to make a distinction in the words used to identify the second member of the Godhead, in the flesh. This is important because “seed” of the woman in Genesis, chapter three and verse fifteen, is a fleshly seed. We generally understand this, but do not think of it. In the “seed” of the woman was to be both Deity and flesh! So, just what do we mean when writing the name “Jesus?”
To start with, we turn to John, the apostle, who wrote: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The words, “the Word,” relates to who? Let John answer the question: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Here “the Word” is God; he is Deity. But, “God” “the Word” was “made flesh.” Now, what do we call this “the Word,” who “was made flesh?” Yes, we could answer, We call this being “the only begotten of the Father.” It is necessary that we look at the words, “was made flesh.” The Greek word is “ginomai” and means: “to come into existence, begin to be, receive being.” (Thayer). Prior to the conception in Mary, this being did not exist! He had a beginning, totally unlike “the Word” who had no beginning; as he is Deity! But, clearly there was a change, as a being “was made flesh,” and begin to be at a point in time! Before this point in time, the conception of Mary, “the only begotten of the Father” came into existence, he begins to be! But here is our question: What do we call him?
Why not call this new being, “Jesus,” as the Holy Spirit said he should be called? Here we turn to Matthew: “And she (Mary, frw) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Jesus is the one who had a beginning, as he “began to be.” He is the “seed” of woman, the promised “seed” in Genesis chapter three, verse fifteen. The name of the “seed” of the woman is Jesus! He is “the only begotten of the Father!” While we are here, we shall allow the Holy Spirit to speak, in answering the question: Why was “the Word” who began to be “the only begotten of the Father,” called Jesus? Once more we turn to Matthew: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Why was “the only begotten of the Father” called Jesus? Notice the words of the Holy Spirit here: “for he shall save his people from their sins.” The word “Jesus” is the Greek “Iesous,” and means: “Savior” and is the same name as Joshua in the Old Testament.” Joshua saved the children of Israel from the wilderness wanderings as he led them across the Jordon River into the promised land! This salvation was physical, but the salvation of Jesus is spiritual.
It is most important that we keep in mind, that Deity does not have flesh and blood, but Deity, “the Word,” “was made flesh!” And with that “flesh,” Jesus came into existence, he began to be; therefore, the blood by which we are saved, became a reality. It is imperative that we keep in mind, that Deity does not die, Deity cannot die! But Jesus, the son of the fleshly Mary did die, and Peter calls his blood; “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Pet. 1:19-20). Peter’s subject is “redemption” and he tells us it was by the precious blood of Christ,” the anointed one, that we are redeemed! Keeping in mind, that God, Deity, does not have blood but “the only begotten of the Father” did have blood through Mary! He is the anointed One, the anointed Jesus, the savior!
As we concluded this article, we return to the “seed” of woman in Genesis. It is by the blood of the “seed” of woman that we are redeemed; that we are saved! The words of the song come to mind: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” And the Refrain: “Oh! precious is the flow; That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
— Frank R. Williams